Austin Reaves Reveals What He Texted LeBron James After Lakers Decision

When Austin Reaves joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted rookie in 2021, all-time great NBA superstar LeBron James immediately took him under his wing.

Since then, Reaves has developed into one of the NBA’s best scorers and grown a close off-court friendship with The King.

So when James informed the Lakers of his decision to play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, Reaves was understandably affected.

Reaves, an avid golfer, is participating in the 2026 American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. And at the Lake Tahoe event on Wednesday, the NBA guard was asked about his initial reaction to the news of James’ departure.

"I texted him and told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it,” Reaves told Edward Lewis of The California Post.

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Reaves agreed to a four-year, $185 million max contract with the Lakers last month. He’s improved his production in each season since joining the league in 2021, averaging a career-high 23.3 points per game this past season.

"I don't have enough time to explain how much [James] means to me and my career and what he's done for me," Reaves added.

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"There's nothing but love and respect," Reaves continued. "And when he comes to LA, I need to see him out on the golf course. Maybe play a couple holes or something."

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 8:34 PM.