​Austin Reaves has agreed to a four-year, $185 million extension to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, while LeBron James has decided to move on and pursue his next chapter elsewhere. Although the destination for LeBron remains undisclosed, it’s official that he will not suit up for a ninth season with the Lakers. Reaves, meanwhile, is set to return for his fifth season in Los Angeles and continue building his role with the franchise.
LeBron’s influence on Reaves’ career has been profound from the start, making the news of his departure a pivotal moment for the young guard. Reaves opened up on The Dan Patrick Show about how he learned LeBron would be leaving the Lakers, recounting the moment he heard the news while playing golf with former teammate D’Angelo Russell. “I was actually at Pinehurst playing golf. D’Lo had this Ryder Cup-style thing out there, so we were playing, and I think it was my girlfriend who texted me. I pulled up Instagram, and it was all over that. I was having a great day on the golf course, too, that ruined it,” he recalled.
LeBron’s impact on Reaves’ development has been enormous, a sentiment Reaves repeated during the interview. “He’s probably had the biggest impact of anyone on my career since I’ve been in LA, nothing but love and respect.” From his rookie season, LeBron took a hands-on approach, showing a genuine interest in Reaves’ growth and coaching him to sharpen his court awareness. That mentorship helped Reaves become more comfortable on the floor, transforming him into an All-Star-caliber player who ultimately signed the largest contract ever awarded to an undrafted free agent in NBA history.
In the 16 games last season in which LeBron missed time, Reaves carried a heavy load, averaging 28.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game as the Lakers posted a 12-4 record in his absence. With LeBron’s departure, Reaves will assume a more prominent role as the veteran presence in the locker room, as he is now the oldest player under contract on the Lakers. In the on-court hierarchy, James may have passed some of his leadership duties to Doncic in terms of playmaking and leadership on the court, but Reaves is poised to take the reins as the voice of the locker room, guiding younger teammates and maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
As Reaves steps back into a familiar environment with a long-term commitment, the Lakers will lean on his continued development and leadership to build around a new core. His decision to stay signals a commitment to the franchise’s direction and a belief in his own ability to contribute at a high level as the team navigates this period of transition. For fans and analysts alike, Reaves’ evolution from undrafted rookie to a cornerstone of a championship-contending roster represents a compelling narrative of perseverance, mentorship, and steady improvement that could define the next era of Lakers basketball.