In Photos: Lakers guard Austin Reaves unveils signature Rigorer AR 2 sneakers on Asia tour
Austin Reaves was the 26th active NBA player with a signature shoe deal when he agreed to be Rigorer’s endorser in 2022. A year after signing with the Chinese brand, the AR 1 came out. For over a year, various colorways were made available to the public.
The LA Lakers guard is in China for a summer tour. Unsurprisingly, the Lin Chenyao-owned company timed it to release the latest edition of Reaves’ shoes, per Nick DePaula. Fans who have been clamoring for the sneaker to drop will have to wait for a few more days before they are available online.
Austin Reaves introduced three colorways of the AR 1 this year before the AR 2 came out. The “Valentine’s Day” version was a hit in February. At the start of the playoffs, Reaves' signature shoe introduced a collab with Kicks Crew called “17 Rings.” The “Hillbilly Bogey” followed a month later before the “Family Ties” capped off the collection two weeks ago.
How much are Austin Reaves’ AR 2 shoes?
Like the AR 1, the AR 2 retails for $100. The newest version is called the Sniper, a name whose origin Rigorer has not yet explained. It may have something to do with Reaves’ outside shooting. Last season, the LA Lakers’ shooting guard averaged 36.7% from deep.
The technology and the specifications of the AR 2 aren’t available yet. But based on looks alone, it seems more structured with at least solid support. Unlike the AR 1, the sides of the latest shoe have TPU that extends to the heel.
The sole looks substantial like the AR 1 but it remains to be seen if the traction and bounce are as good as the original model.
Austin Reaves could wear the AR 2 in one of the Lakers’ preseason games in Las Vegas
The LA Lakers announced in May that they will have three exhibition games in Las Vegas. It has been the team’s practice to go to Sin City for tune-up matches to hype up their fans. Austin Reaves may have something special for Laker Nation on Oct. 15.
Reaves and probably a few starters will likely see action against the Golden State Warriors. There will be more scrutiny than usual whenever the Tinseltown team plays due to the arrival of Bronny James. AR will grab some of the spotlight if he debuts his AR 2 on the court that day.
The Lakers hope to make a deeper playoff run than the one they had last season. Austin Reaves will have a big role to play for new coach JJ Redick. The AR 2 will be on Reaves’ feet for the 2024-25 campaign.