LeBron James' departure from the Los Angeles Lakers still hasn't fully sunk in for Austin Reaves.
"I don't know if I've honestly processed it yet," Reaves told reporters Monday, including ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Starting the season without him being on the team is going to be different for me. He's kind of all I've ever known. Just him being around, joking around, acting like he's 15. But that's his decision and ... I got nothing but love and respect for him."
Reaves spent the first five seasons of his career playing alongside James. The undrafted guard emerged as a key piece for the Lakers, helping them make four straight playoff berths, including a Western Conference finals run in 2022-23.
Reaves' performance earned him a massive payday this summer, as he agreed to return to Los Angeles on a four-year, $185-million contract extension.
James' exit allowed the Lakers to spend more freely this offseason. They filled a void at center by acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade and signing veteran big man Kevon Looney. Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili were also brought in on multi-year contracts.
Reaves spoke favorably about the moves L.A.'s front office has made. He's also ready to shoulder more responsibility on the court with James out of the picture.
"The pieces that are coming in, I'm very excited about, and I'm happy to get started today and see where it goes," Reaves said.
He added: "Everybody knows it's a completely different team. There's going to be different things asked of different people, and if that's what (head coach) JJ (Redick) and the staff asks of me, I'll do it to the best of my ability."
