​Last Tuesday, June 30, proved to be one of the more pivotal days in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers, albeit in a quiet fashion. That morning, LeBron James’ camp informed the organization that the future Hall of Famer would not be re-signing during free agency. With that low-key, relatively painless development, the eight-year James era concluded, and the Luka Dončić era began to take shape in earnest. About a week and a half later, James had yet to decide which team he would join this fall, and it remained anyone’s guess which franchise he might choose or when he would publicly announce his decision.
No. 2 on the Lakers’ depth chart, as it remained even while James was still on the roster, is guard Austin Reaves, who has emerged as an All-Star-caliber performer. Reaves recently agreed to a four-year, $185 million contract, which he will officially sign once the front office finalizes its remaining roster moves. An avid golfer, Reaves has watched James also start to dabble in the sport. He shared with the California Post a glimpse into his first reaction via text once it became clear that James would be leaving the Purple and Gold: “I texted him and told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it.”
Despite James’ departure, Reaves insisted there are no hard feelings. “There’s nothing but love and respect,” he said. “And when he comes to L.A., I want to see him on the golf course. Maybe we’ll play a few holes.” Reaves is set to participate in the American Century Championship, a yearly celebrity golf tournament held at Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Nevada. Other NBA players slated to compete include former Lakers guard Alex Caruso and Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Curry captured the tournament title in 2023, while Reaves has finished 13th in each of the last two editions.
This feature originated on LeBron Wire under the headline “What Austin Reaves Texted LeBron James When LeBron Left the Lakers,” and it has been updated for broader SEO reach. Reaves’ ongoing development and James’ next steps remain closely watched by fans and analysts as the NBA offseason unfolds.