Austin Reaves Talks New Lakers Contract, LeBron James Exit and More at American Century Championship

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves says he found out he would no longer be teammates with LeBron James through text.

Reaves was playing at a golf event hosted by his former Lakers teammate D'Angelo Russell at Pinehurst when his girlfriend texted him the news, he said in an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show at the 2026 American Century Championship at Nevada's Edgewood Tahoe Resort.

"I texted him, and I was like, 'I was having a great day on the golf course 'til you ruined it,'" Reaves said.

Reaves continued, "He's been probably the biggest impact on my career since I've been in L.A., so nothing but love and respect, and wish him nothing but the best."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported June 30 James had informed the Lakers he would be leaving the franchise in free agency.

Reaves himself will be sticking around with the Lakers after signing a four-year, $185 million extension with the team in June.

"It was good that the Lakers had that opportunity to get something done so I didn't have to actually hit the market," Reaves told Patrick. "I love L.A. It's like a home away from home for me. I've been there for five years and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

Reaves added: "I had a lot of talks with Rob [Pelinka]. I'm really close with Luka [Dončić] and J.J. [Redick] as well. We're just building something that can be sustainable for not just now but the future."

Reaves also said he had at times doubted he would make it in the NBA before joining the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He has since broken out by averaging more than 20 points per game in each of his last two seasons.

"I'm white. I'm unathletic... I've had people ask me if I played tennis or baseball before basketball," Reaves laughed. "I felt like I was never going to get the opportunity to play in the NBA. I always felt like I was capable of it, but I didn't know if the opportunity would present itself. But once it did, I kind of got my foot in the door and then took advantage of it."

About watching the New York Knicks win the 2026 NBA title, Reaves said he was happy for some of the individual players and hopeful the Lakers could build a team with similar chemistry in the future.

"I got to know some of those guys when I played the USA team with Mikal [Bridges], Josh [Hart] and [Jalen Brunson]," Reaves told Patrick. "Great dudes, you couldn't ask for better humans, and I think that shows on the basketball court.

"They care for one another. They play for another. And that's, like you said, that's something you want to build."

Reaves is one of multiple athletes participating in the American Century celebrity golf tournament this week. Other competitors include Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.