Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves says news of LeBron James’ departure from the franchise interrupted what had been “a great day” on the golf course.
Reaves, 26, recalled sending an immediate text to the 41-year-old forward after learning that James would leave the Lakers following eight seasons, six playoff trips and the 2020 championship. “I was having a great day on the golf course until you ruined it,” Reaves wrote, according to comments published by The California Post.
James’ decision ends a five-year on-court partnership with Reaves that began when the guard signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021. The two bonded over basketball and golf, and Reaves said he hopes their rounds together will continue when James visits Los Angeles as an opposing player next season. “There’s nothing but love and respect,” Reaves added. “When he comes to L.A., I need to see him on the course—maybe play a couple holes.”
James’ exit means the Lakers will open the upcoming campaign without any member of the starting five that clinched a first-round playoff win over the Houston Rockets last April. Reaves, now under a new contract and preparing for his first season alongside Luka Dončić, becomes the club’s longest-tenured player and an expected locker-room leader.
Rookie first-round pick Cameron Carr admitted he was so focused on Summer League preparations that he missed the announcement entirely. Asked about James’ departure, Carr said he learned of it only after reporters mentioned the news the following day.
The Lakers begin training camp this fall with a revamped roster and the franchise’s first season without James since 2017-18.
Source: LakersNation.com
