Everything Austin Reaves Said About LeBron Leaving Lakers, Luka Friendship After $180M Contract

After re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on an $180 million contract, star guard Austin Reaves will have some extra responsibilities next season.

Reaves admitted to reporters on Monday that he's still getting used to the idea of not playing alongside star forward LeBron James, saying, "I don't know if I've honestly processed it yet."

Meanwhile, James' absence makes Reaves the definitive No. 2 option on the Lakers behind star guard Luka Doncic, whom he called "one of my best friends on this planet."

Since joining the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Reaves has played his entire career alongside James. He quickly developed into a reliable contributor who could consistently produce while sharing the floor with the greatest player of his generation, going from averaging 7.3 points in his rookie year to 23.3 points this past season.

However, the Lakers' outlook changed drastically when James informed them that he would be continuing his legendary career with a different team as he explores free agency this summer. Reaves said last week that he reached out to James when he learned about the news, saying, "I texted him and told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it."

Now, it will be up to Reaves and Doncic to try to help lead the Lakers back to the promised land. The two of them quickly developed chemistry after Los Angeles acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks at the 2025 trade deadline, and it has paid dividends on the court.

In addition to retaining Reaves, the Lakers replenished their depth by adding center Walker Kessler, forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and guards Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes this offseason. It will be fun to see how it all comes together in Los Angeles next season as Reaves becomes more of a focal point next to Doncic.