A viral Instagram post sparked chatter across the basketball world this week, claiming that pop star Sabrina Carpenter has a “huge crush” on Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves.
The post, which featured a photo of the two posing together at a recent Lakers game, alleged that Carpenter was apparently infatuated with the rising NBA star.
The rumor quickly gained traction online, with fans sharing screenshots and speculating about a potential celebrity-athlete romance.
However, there is no credible reporting or verified source to support the claim, which suggests it is false.
The post appears to be based solely on a public interaction and a photo opportunity, rather than any confirmed relationship.
Who is Jenna Barber? Meet Austin Reaves’ long-term partner
In fact, Reaves is in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart, Jenna Barber.
The two met while attending Cedar Ridge High School in Arkansas and have reportedly been together since 2014, according to People.
Barber has been a visible and vocal supporter of Reaves throughout his basketball journey, including traveling to support him during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Carpenter, meanwhile, has had her own highly publicized relationship history. The singer was romantically linked to Irish actor Barry Keoghan beginning in December 2023 after the two were spotted having dinner together in Los Angeles.
They went public with their relationship in February 2024, and Keoghan appeared in Carpenter‘s music video for her hit song “Please, Please, Please.”
It was reported in December 2024 that the pair decided to take a break from their relationship and things don’t appear to have restarted between the two.
There has been no indication from either Carpenter or Reaves suggesting anything beyond a friendly interaction.
While social media speculation swirled, Reaves was focused on basketball and more specifically, returning from injury.
The Lakers guard opened the season in dominant form and was widely considered to be on track for his first All-Star selection.
However, calf issues sidelined him for approximately six weeks, temporarily halting his breakout campaign.
Reaves made his return on February 3 in the Lakers‘ 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
Coming off the bench, he logged 21 minutes and finished with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Barber shows she’s Reaves’ biggest fan
Barber marked the moment with a heartfelt Instagram story celebrating his comeback: “6 weeks later & my show is back on,” she wrote, referring to her boyfriend appearing on her TV.
Reaves has been one of the Lakers‘ most consistent performers this season. He is averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.8 percent from the field.
His scoring leap and playmaking growth have solidified his role as a core piece alongside the team’s established stars.
As for the Carpenter rumor, it appears to be another example of how quickly social media narratives can spiral without confirmation. A single photo and speculative caption were enough to convince many fans that a new celebrity pairing had formed.
For now, there is no verified evidence supporting the claim – and all signs point to Reaves remaining firmly focused on his recovery, his season and his long-standing relationship.
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