Austin Reaves Speaks on LeBron James Leaving the Lakers

For the first time since entering the NBA, Austin Reaves is preparing for a Los Angeles Lakers season without LeBron James.

Reaves, who recently signed a four-year, $180 million contract to remain with the Lakers, reflected on James' departure during his first media availability at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

After spending every season of his career alongside one of basketball's greatest players, the veteran guard admitted the reality of James no longer being in L.A. still hasn't fully sunk in.

"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. Got nothing but love and respect for him."

The comments offered a glimpse into the impact James had on Reaves' development after the former undrafted guard grew into one of the franchise's cornerstone players. Now, Reaves is expected to take on an even bigger leadership role as the Lakers enter a new chapter centered around Luka Dončić.

When Reaves signed with Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent in 2021, expectations were modest. Through consistent improvement and a strong work ethic, however, he quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff and became a key contributor alongside James.

Playing next to a four-time NBA champion accelerated Reaves' development. James frequently praised the guard's basketball IQ and confidence, while Reaves learned how to prepare like a veteran and thrive in high-pressure moments.

That growth culminated this offseason when the Lakers rewarded him with a new four-year, $180 million contract, making him one of the faces of the franchise moving forward.

Reaves is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 51 games while establishing himself as one of the NBA's top offensive guards.

His scoring average has climbed dramatically since his rookie season, when he averaged just 7.3 points per game, highlighting one of the league's most impressive player development stories.

Although James is no longer part of the organization, Reaves made it clear there are no hard feelings.

Instead, his comments reflected appreciation for a teammate who helped shape both his career and the Lakers' culture over the past five seasons.

Now, the responsibility shifts to Reaves and the team's new core. Alongside Dončić, Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and several other offseason additions, L.A. is aiming to remain among the Western Conference contenders despite losing one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Replacing James' production and leadership won't be easy, but Reaves understands the challenge ahead.

His emergence from an overlooked prospect into an All-Star-caliber guard has positioned him to become one of the franchise's leaders both on and off the court.

While the idea of beginning a season without James still feels unfamiliar, Reaves is embracing the opportunity to help lead the Lakers into their next era.

His respect for James remains unchanged, but his focus is now on helping L.A. build its future with a new generation leading the way.