Austin Reaves Reflects on LeBron's Friendship Ahead of Lakers Contract Decision in New Video
In the aftermath of what could end up being their final game as teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves praised LeBron James for the impact he has had on his career.
Following the Lakers' season-ending loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, Reaves explained that James "took me under his wing" when he was a rookie and "built a real friendship" over the past five years.
There was some controversy earlier this season when Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents James, suggested the Lakers should offer Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr. when the club was exploring ways to improve prior to the trade deadline.
James made it clear he had no input in Paul's comments and holds a very high opinion of Reaves.
"AR knows how I feel about him," James said. "All you got to do is look at us on the bench. Me and AR talk every single day. So, AR knows how I feel about him and I hope AR — or his camp — don't look at me and think this is words from me are coming through Rich."
Reaves has been one of the best developmental success stories in the NBA since he entered the league. The Oklahoma alum went undrafted in 2021 before signing with the Lakers.
After earning a standard contract prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, Reaves appeared in 61 games as a rookie. He took a step forward in 2022-23, averaging 13.7 points per game to finish seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Reaves' scoring average has increased in every season so far, reaching 23.3 points per game in 2025-26.
Even before the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić in February 2025, Reaves and James were essential pieces for their playoff appearances in 2023 and '24.
Now, both players find themselves in a spot where they might not be in Los Angeles for the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Reaves can opt out of his contract to become a free agent.
James played out the final season of his current deal and is weighing whether or not he wants to continue playing, in addition to where he will play if he returns for a 24th season.
