Fact check: Did Bronny James and Austin Reaves get into a heated practice brawl? Viral social media claim debunk

The time is running out for the Los Angeles Lakers. They need every bit of talent to move up the Western Conference standings, since they are now 34-21 and the fifth seed. However, it appears that some admirers believe that recently a brawl between two of the team's most prominent players disturbed the locker room.According to the post from the X account @JakeMorrisonNBA, the players got into a fight at Friday's team practice and their teammates had to break it up. In just a few hours, the allegation had 1.2 million views on the platform.

Viral Lakers practice fight rumor involving Bronny James and Austin Reaves debunked

Officially, the NBA is back in full force. For the final sprint, teams have finally welcomed back their slightly battered and bruised stars after a much-needed week of rest for the majority of the league.But according to a recent, widely circulated report on social media, Austin Reaves and Bronny James, the guards for the Los Angeles Lakers, got into a physical brawl. The two allegedly got into a "physical altercation," according to a post on 'X' by @JakeMorrisonNBA, which alarmed several fans. It further read:“BREAKING: Bronny James and Austin Reaves got into a physical altercation after today’s practice. Both players had to be separated by teammates. More details are expected to emerge…”

However, reputable sources have not verified that Austin Reaves and Bronny James got into a brawl.

Some admirers criticized the story for being phony, while others took it at face value. A closer examination of @JakeMorrisonNBA on X reveals that it is a satirical account that often shares inflated stories on social media. Some people may believe the rumor is true since the account who uploaded it has a verification checkmark on the site. However, his bio states: "1x | Non-affiliated with @raptors | Scottie Barnes Stan satire account."Since no trustworthy sources have reported this information, it is unlikely to be accurate. The Lakers would take every precaution to conceal any altercation between Reaves and Bronny. Every credible sports media outlet would be covering the rumor if it were real. It's safe to assume that everything is OK in the locker room in Los Angeles.

Austin Reaves shines for Lakers while Bronny James continues development in G League stint

With his outstanding play this season, Austin Reaves has solidified his position as one of the Lakers' most crucial players.

He is shooting 50.8%, including 36.3% from 3-point range, and averaging 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists a game. In the meantime, head coach JJ Redick is starting to tighten his rotation now that the primary roster is completely healthy. Due to this change, the South Bay Lakers will be playing the majority of this last stretch with talented young players like Drew Timme, Adou Thiero, and Bronny James. The hiatus appears to have been a complete reset for Bronny.

The second-year pro put on what may have been his most comprehensive performance of the season in a resounding 127-105 victory over the Texas Legends. Currently in his second NBA season, he has not yet established himself. Throughout his career, he has averaged 2.2 points per game and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 40%. In a 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on February 12, he played two minutes in his final game for the team.