A recent rumor circulating among basketball fans suggested that pop singer Sabrina Carpenter has a crush on Lakers guard Austin Reaves after they were seen together at a Lakers game. This speculation gained traction after an Instagram post shared a photo of Carpenter and Reaves posing together, implying they have been spending time outside of the public eye.
Despite the viral nature of the post, there is no credible evidence supporting these claims. The rumor is unfounded, especially since Reaves is currently committed to a long-term relationship, making such rumors unlikely to be true.
Austin Reaves’ Established Relationship with Jenna Barber
Austin Reaves has maintained a strong relationship with his girlfriend, Jenna Barber, whom he met in high school. The couple started dating while attending Cedar Ridge High School in Arkansas, and have been together since 2014. Barber has been a steadfast supporter of Reaves’ basketball career, attending games and supporting him through his journey in the NBA. The two even traveled together to the FIBA Basketball event during the summer of 2023.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Past Relationship with Barry Keoghan
Sabrina Carpenter was previously involved with Irish actor Barry Keoghan. Their relationship became public knowledge after they were seen dining together in Los Angeles in December 2023. The couple officially announced their relationship in February 2024, with Carpenter featuring Keoghan in the music video for her song Please, Please, Please. However, an insider revealed to People magazine that the pair decided to take a break later in December 2024, ending the rumors of any connection with Austin Reaves.
Jenna Barber’s Support During Austin Reaves’ Injury Recovery
At the beginning of the season, Austin Reaves was performing at an elite level and was on track for his first All-Star nomination. However, a calf injury sidelined him for approximately six weeks. Upon his return on February 3, Reaves contributed significantly in the Lakers’ 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Jenna Barber watched the game remotely and shared a heartfelt message celebrating his comeback on Instagram.
“6 weeks later & my show is back on 🤗,” Jenna Barber, girlfriend of Austin Reaves
In that game, Reaves came off the bench, playing 21 minutes and recording 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Over the season, he is averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, boasting a shooting percentage of 50.8%.
Why These Relationship Rumors Matter for Fans and the NBA Community
Unverified rumors such as the alleged crush between Sabrina Carpenter and Austin Reaves highlight how quickly misinformation can spread through social media. Given Reaves’ ongoing dedication to his career and long-term relationship with Barber, these rumors do not reflect reality. Understanding the truth helps fans respect the personal lives of athletes and celebrities while focusing on their professional achievements. Moving forward, it is likely that Austin Reaves will concentrate on his NBA season, with continued support from Jenna Barber as he recovers fully and performs at a high level.
