Austin Reaves Baby News: Lakers Star Announces Wedding, Reveals Gender and Name Inspired by NBA Legend Kobe Bryant

In a heartwarming announcement that’s sending shockwaves through the NBA community and beyond, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has revealed he’s tying the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Jenna Barber, early next year.

But that’s not all – the couple is expecting their first child, and Reaves dropped the ultimate bombshell by disclosing the baby’s gender and a name straight out of basketball royalty.

Fans are buzzing with excitement, flooding social media with congratulations for the “Hillbilly Kobe” who’s about to become a family man.

If you’re searching for “Austin Reaves baby name reveal” or “Lakers star wedding news,” you’ve landed in the right spot. This exclusive scoop dives deep into the couple’s love story, the joyful reveal, and what this means for Reaves’ skyrocketing career.

Keep reading to uncover every detail that’s got everyone talking.

From High School Sweethearts to NBA Royalty: The Austin Reaves and Jenna Barber Love Story

Austin Reaves, the 27-year-old sharpshooter who’s become a fan favorite in purple and gold, has always kept his personal life low-key. But today, that changed in the best way possible.

Reaves and Jenna Barber, his high school sweetheart from Newark, Arkansas, have been inseparable since they locked eyes at Cedar Ridge High School back in 2014.

What started as a teenage romance has blossomed into a decade-plus partnership that’s weathered long-distance college stints, undrafted NBA heartbreak, and the whirlwind of professional stardom.

Jenna, a chiropractic student at Logan College of Chiropractic, has been Reaves’ rock through it all. While he balled out at Wichita State and Oklahoma, she cheered from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, repping the Razorbacks with pride.

Despite the miles between them, their bond only grew stronger. “From long-time third wheel to lifetime wifey,” Jenna once captioned a sweet post after one of Reaves’ career-high games, hinting at the forever vibe they’ve nurtured.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Jenna’s been a courtside staple, trading Razorback red for Lakers gold. She’s shared glimpses of their shared passions – from golf outings to cozy date nights – on her private socials, always keeping things authentic and grounded.

Fans adore how Jenna balances her studies, a part-time gig at Newark Pharmacy, and supporting her man’s grind. As a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, she’s got that sisterhood spirit, but it’s her unwavering loyalty to Austin that steals the show.

Their relationship? It’s the stuff of rom-coms. Undrafted in 2021, Reaves signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, turning skeptics into superfans. Jenna was there every step, from G League hustles to playoff heroics.

Now, as Reaves inks extensions and eyes All-Star nods, their next chapter is all about building a family.

The Big Announcement: Wedding Bells and Baby Joy

Picture this: A casual Instagram Live from Reaves’ LA pad, Lakers jersey tossed aside for a cozy sweater, Jenna beaming beside him with that pregnancy glow. “We’ve got some news that’s bigger than any buzzer-beater,” Reaves grinned, his Arkansas drawl thicker with emotion. First up? The wedding.

“Early next year, y’all – think spring vibes in the hills back home. Jenna’s the MVP of my life, and it’s time to make it official.”

The room erupted in cheers from family tuning in, but the real mic-drop came next. Jenna, hand on her baby bump, shared the joyful ultrasound reveal they’d kept under wraps. “We’re over the moon,” she said, her voice cracking with happy tears.

“This little one’s already got Austin’s fight and my smile.”

Reaves, never one to shy from his idols, leaned in for the reveal that’s got NBA Twitter in a frenzy. “It’s a boy,” he announced, pausing for dramatic effect. “And we’ve named him Kobe – after the man, the myth, the Black Mamba himself.

Kobe Bryant inspired me to never back down, from those late-night shoots in high school gyms to every game in the league. This kid’s gonna carry that fire.”

The name choice? Pure poetry. Reaves has long idolized Kobe, channeling his Mamba Mentality in clutch moments – like that 51-point explosion against the Nuggets or his Olympic bronze-medal push with Team USA. Naming his son Kobe isn’t just a tribute; it’s a legacy pass.

“KB8 would be proud,” Reaves added, eyes misty. “We’re raising him to dream big, hoop hard, and love fierce.”

Why Fans Are Losing It Over Austin Reaves’ Baby Boy Kobe

The internet exploded faster than a LeBron fast break. #ReavesBabyKobe trended worldwide within minutes, racking up millions of views. “Austin naming his kid Kobe? That’s the full-circle moment we needed post-Lakers heartbreak,” tweeted one die-hard fan. Another gushed, “From undrafted to dad – AR15’s story just keeps getting better.

Congrats to the Barbers!”

Lakers Nation is in full celebration mode. Teammates like D’Angelo Russell dropped fire emojis in the comments, while LeBron James reposted with a simple “Mamba Forever .” Even Kobe’s family chimed in – Vanessa Bryant shared a heartfelt note: “What an honor.

Little Kobe’s got big shoes to fill, but with parents like you, he’s set. Blessings to your beautiful family.”

This news hits different in a league where family fuels the fire. Reaves, who’s averaged 15.7 points and 4.5 assists this season, often credits Jenna for keeping him centered. “She’s my why,” he’s said in interviews.

Now, with baby Kobe on the way (due summer 2026), expect that motivation to skyrocket. Will it push AR15 toward his first All-Star selection? Or inspire a deep playoff run? One thing’s sure: The Lakers’ locker room just got a whole lot more wholesome.

What’s Next for the Reaves-Barber Clan?

As wedding planning kicks off – whispers of an intimate Arkansas ceremony with Razorback flair – the couple’s already dreaming big for their bundle of joy.

“We’ll have mini hoops in the nursery,” Reaves joked, “but Jenna’s insisting on chiropractic check-ups from day one.” Their support circle’s tight: Jenna’s twin sister Jordan and hubby Keaton (who just welcomed their own little one earlier this year) are over the moon as aunt and uncle.

Younger sis Jaden’s already crafting baby onesies with “Future Mamba” embroidery.

For Reaves, balancing fatherhood with NBA demands is the new challenge. “Jenna and I got this,” he assured fans. “She’s the real GOAT.” As the Lakers gear up for a title chase, Austin’s personal glow-up couldn’t come at a better time.

Early 2026 vows, mid-year baby bliss – it’s the ultimate offseason W.

In a world of highlight reels and hot takes, stories like Austin Reaves’ remind us why we love sports: the human heart behind the hustle. Congrats to Austin, Jenna, and baby Kobe – may your journey be as epic as a Game 7 thriller.