Austin Reaves Opens up About LeBron James Leaving Los Angeles

Austin Reaves has found his long-term home in Los Angeles, signing a four-year, $185 million max contract with the Lakers franchise earlier this offseason.

However, Reaves begins this new chapter without one of his long-time teammates: LeBron James.

James informed the Lakers that he intends to play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, opening up a highly-publicized free agency process.

James took Reaves under his wing when he joined the Lakers as an undrafted rookie in 2021. Since then, the former Arkansas standout has developed into one of the league’s top scorers.

“I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet,” Reaves said when asked about James’ departure by Lakers insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “Starting a season without him being on the team is going to be different for me. That's kind of all I've ever known is him being around.

“That’s his decision,” Reaves added. “I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him."

Reaves has improved his production in each season since joining the Lakers in 2021. Last year, he averaged a career-high 23.3 points per game.

A few teams have emerged as leading contenders to land James in free agency, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:20 AM.