The Los Angeles Lakers will head into the NBA Playoffs with way more questions than answers. Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are still dealing with injuries, with Reaves expected to miss the first round and Doncic’s status still unknown.

That leaves LeBron James as the main man once again. Head coach JJ Redick will have to cook up ways to score on offense. That’s especially true this year, since Reaves took a major step forward in his development, turning into a scoring star.

Reaves’ ascension has been incredible. He scored plenty during his final two seasons at Oklahoma, but NBA scouts didn’t expect that to translate: Hence, he went undrafted. But Reaves is used to being doubted, even since his high school days.

Austin Reaves reunites with favorite high school teacher

Back in high school, in fact, even his teacher didn’t fully believe in his NBA dream. While Reaves was adamant that he was going to succeed with basketball, Priscilla Callahan wanted him to at least have a backup plan in case it didn’t work out. It was logical, but Reaves wasn’t buying it. Still, Callahan remained one of Reaves’ favorites.

This week, Reaves was treated to a surprise reunion with Callahan that had both of them getting emotional. It was a beautiful moment, but Reaves couldn’t help but recall their previous conversations. Reaves had one definitive, four-word statement for her: “I told you so“.

Ultimately, Reaves’ ideal plan panned out. But there were surely hundreds of other schoolmates who didn’t have the same luxury. Reaves appreciates his journey more than many other basketball players for that reason.