Reaves revealed the tone of his first message to James about the situation in a post reported by the New York Post. He wrote, in light of the news, that his day had been “great on the golf course until he ruined it.” He added that James has had a profound impact on his career, expressing immense gratitude and respect. Reaves even suggested catching up on the golf course with James when he’s in Los Angeles, joking about playing a few holes together.
The humorous tension in Reaves’ message underscores a deeper bond that developed over five seasons. James and Reaves emerged as the two longest-tenured Lakers players during the previous season, building a close-on-court and off-court connection. With James moving on to explore opportunities elsewhere, Reaves will begin his NBA season without the benefit of LeBron’s ongoing guidance and leadership.
How LeBron James Shaped Austin Reaves’ Career
Drafted by the Lakers a year after they captured the 2020 NBA Championship—thanks in no small part to LeBron James and Anthony Davis—Reaves quickly benefited from James’ endorsement. James advocated for Reaves after recognizing his potential during practice, helping him secure more playing time and opportunities to showcase his skills early in his career. The familiarity and trust between them contributed to Reaves’ ascent from role player to a starter, and ultimately to a season marked by significant personal and team-wide improvements.
Over five seasons together, the two developed a strong on-court chemistry. Reaves has repeatedly acknowledged how pivotal James has been to his development and confidence. Without James’ belief and mentorship, Reaves might not have reached the level of production that enabled him to command a max contract.
Looking ahead, Reaves showed that he can deliver solid performances regardless of who shares the floor with him. The Lakers recognized his growth and rewarded him with a contract extension that signals his importance to the franchise’s future.
Maintaining a Connection with LeBron
Reaves confirmed his intention to maintain a friendship with James, regardless of whether they are teammates. He even teased future golf outings with James, highlighting the shared passion for the sport that helped bond the two players. LeBron James has a well-known track record of mentoring younger players across the league, and his influence extends beyond his own team. Notable examples include Tyrese Maxey and Darius Garland, who have benefited from James’ guidance through their connections with trusted associates.
As Reaves embarks on this new phase, the expectation is that his relationship with James will endure, continuing to influence his career in meaningful ways even from different teams. While Lakers fans won’t see Reaves and James together on the court, the personal and professional ties between them are likely to persist for years to come.
In sum, this offseason encapsulates a pivotal transition for a player who has grown substantially under LeBron’s mentorship. Reaves’ max-contract extension signals a new era for him, while the enduring mentorship and friendship with James suggest that the impact of their relationship will continue to shape his trajectory in the league.
