Austin Reaves on LeBron James' departure: "I don't think he has processed it yet"

Austin Reaves faces a new stage with Los Angeles Lakers. After signing the most lucrative contract in NBA history for an undrafted player, the guard admitted that he still struggles to accept the departure of LeBron James, who left the franchise this summer after eight seasons. The American will now be one of the leaders of the project alongside Luka Doncic on a completely revamped team.

"I don't think I have fully processed it yet. Starting the season without him on the team will be different for me. It's practically all I've known. Being with him, joking around, watching him act like he's 15... But it was his decision, and I have nothing but love and respect for him", said Austin Reaves in his first statements since renewing with the Lakers.

The guard, who ultimately signed a four-year, $180 million contract, accepted a slightly lower deal than initially planned to provide greater salary flexibility to the franchise for future additions.

Now, the spotlight will be on him and Luka Doncic. Reaves made it clear that his relationship with the Slovenian star goes far beyond the court.

"Luka is one of my best friends on this planet. We talk almost every day. He sends me videos of his golf swing and asks me what he can do to improve, and I tell him I'm not a coach", he said with a laugh.

The Lakers have significantly revamped their roster during the summer with the additions of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, and Ziaire Williams, in addition to the re-signing of Austin Reaves. Regarding the new signings, the guard expressed optimism.

"I am very excited about the pieces that have arrived and I am looking forward to starting to see how far we can go", he stated.

Reaves also had words of praise for Kessler, with whom he had already crossed paths in the U.S. national team selection.

"He's a great, fun-loving guy who enjoys life. Everyone sees the impact he has on the court. He defends very well, understands the game, and is a very smart player. I am very happy to have him on the team", he emphasized.

With the departures of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Luke Kennard, the team's dynamics will change completely. Reaves is aware of this and expressed readiness to take on new responsibilities.

Different Lakers for Reaves

"Everyone knows it's a completely different team. Different things will be asked of each of us, and if that's what JJ Redick and the coaching staff expect from me, I will do everything I can to deliver", he claimed.

Finally, the guard reiterated that he never considered leaving Los Angeles despite the negotiations for his renewal.

"I wanted to be a Lakers player all along. We had that period from the end of the season until July 1 to reach an agreement, and we did it. My heart was always in Los Angeles", he concluded.