Austin Reaves admitted he has not fully processed seeing longtime teammate LeBron James suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers. Speaking during a team practice, the undrafted guard acknowledged that playing his first NBA season without James will require significant adjustment following their years together.
James Joins 76ers as Reaves Starts in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Rotation: Reaves prepares to start a season without James on the team while remaining in Los Angeles.
- Philadelphia Valuation: James opened the season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The End of an Era in Los Angeles
Following a postseason sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, James weighed retirement before ultimately deciding to extend his career into a 24th season. Prior to the opening of free agency, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul informed ESPN’s Shams Charania that James would not be re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, clearing the way for his move to Philadelphia.
Austin Reaves on LeBron James leaving the Lakers: “I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet. … 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” pic.twitter.com/hTBW3T3jmI
For Reaves, the departure dissolves a foundational partnership. Entering the league as an undrafted rookie, Reaves leaned heavily on James’s mentorship to establish himself. But the tape and the practice floor now tell a starkly different story. “I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet,” Reaves told media members. “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.”
First Impressions in New Colors
Seeing a teammate in opposing colors creates immediate visual dissonance on the hardwood. Reaves caught a glimpse of the reality during the preseason schedule before opening night action tipped off on Tuesday.
Austin Reaves on seeing LeBron James in a different jersey during tonight's Sixers season opener: "I already seen him in the preseason. I almost texted him and told him he looked crazy. … But that's my guy and I wish him nothing but the best." pic.twitter.com/1TbhIRlKms
“I already seen him in the preseason. I almost texted him and told him he looked crazy,” Reaves admitted. “But that’s my guy and I wish him nothing but the best.”
| Player | Previous Franchise | Current Franchise | NBA Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | Philadelphia 76ers | 24th |
| Austin Reaves | Los Angeles Lakers | Los Angeles Lakers |
While the front office in Los Angeles recalibrates its roster depth and salary cap structure to move forward without James, Reaves maintains confidence in the collective pieces currently in place.
As the campaign unfolds, both franchises must adapt to new competition. James takes his court vision and basketball IQ to the Eastern Conference, while Reaves assumes a larger leadership and offensive burden for the Lakers.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
