LeBron James reportedly struggled with how much of the Lakers’ offense he was asked to surrender to Austin Reaves last season.
LeBron James understood that acquiring Luka Dončić meant the Los Angeles Lakers were preparing for a new era. Accepting Austin Reaves’ growing place in the offensive hierarchy, however, may have been more difficult.
James reportedly experienced an “internal conflict” over how much he had to defer to Reaves during the 2025-26 season, according to Law Murray of The Athletic.
“Covering LeBron James last season, he had an internal conflict going on with how much he had to defer to Austin Reaves,” Murray wrote during a Reddit AMA. “Even Bron understood that Luka was the top dawg in any circumstance.”
Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los AngelesLakersguardLukaDoncic (77) and forwardLeBronJames(23) celebrate with teammates after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesJames Adjusted to a Smaller Role
James had spent virtually his entire career as his team’s primary scorer, playmaker or decision-maker. Dončić’s arrival forced him to adjust, but there was little question about why the Lakers would make the five-time All-NBA guard their offensive centerpiece.
Dončić was the organization’s future. James, meanwhile, was approaching the end of his career.
Reaves represented a different dynamic. The undrafted guard developed from a complementary role player into one of the Lakers’ most valuable offensive weapons. He averaged career highs of 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season before receiving a four-year, $185 million contract.
James remained productive, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. His scoring average was his lowest since his rookie season, while his career-low usage rate reflected how dramatically his responsibilities had changed.
Murray added that James enjoyed reclaiming a featured role during the postseason, particularly when he helped lead Los Angeles past the Houston Rockets in the opening round.
That does not mean James and Reaves experienced a personal falling out. The two have continued spending time together away from basketball, and Reaves expressed appreciation for James following his departure.
“I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet,” Reaves said. “Starting a season without him on the team is going to be different for me. That’s kind of all I’ve ever known. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him.”
Report Adds Context to James’ Exit
James’ reported frustration provides another possible explanation for why his relationship with the Lakers deteriorated before he joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
Mar 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los AngelesLakersforwardLeBronJames(23) and guardLukaDoncic (77) in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesThe disconnect did not begin with Reaves. Reports have indicated that tension between James and the organization dated back to the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade and never completely disappeared.
Los Angeles eventually committed its future to Dončić and Reaves. That left James with a choice: continue sacrificing touches and control or find a situation in which he could pursue another championship with a more influential role.
James’ departure was likely the product of several basketball and organizational disagreements. His discomfort with becoming the Lakers’ third option appears to have been another factor.
