LeBron James is officially gone from the purple and gold, ending his eight-year run in Los Angeles, and Lakers fan favorite Austin Reaves is already feeling the weight of the change. James informed the Lakers last month that he intends to play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, shaking up the league and leaving a massive void on the Lakers roster for the first time since 2018.
The King Is Gone, And So Is An Era
This isn't just a player leaving, it's a seismic shift for the Lakers. James, at 41 years old, is an unrestricted free agent and is reportedly ready to help another team, which is exactly what he intends to do. Last season he was still putting up serious numbers, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds on 51.5% shooting. That's a legend still producing. But with James departing, the Lakers have completely shifted focus. They're all in on building a younger roster around their future, a clear direction as they move on from the LeBron era. It's a tough pill to swallow for some fans, but it's a necessary step.Austin Reaves Steps Up Into The Unknown
Amidst this massive transition, the Lakers locked down Austin Reaves, bringing him back on a four-year, $180 million deal. He originally agreed to a $185 million extension, but this tweaked deal gives the Lakers crucial financial flexibility, making it possible to chase a player with the non-taxpayer midlevel exception next summer. This is huge for the team's long-term plan! But for Reaves himself, an undrafted guard who's only known LeBron as a teammate, this is uncharted territory. He was raw about it too, saying, “I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet. … Starting a season without him on the team is going to be different for me. That’s kind of all I’ve ever known … Got nothing but love and respect for him.” James was a massive role model for Reaves, taking him under his wing and helping him develop into the player he is. Reaves consistently turned to James for advice and guidance. Now, he's without that everyday locker room presence and admits he doesn't know how he'll react to the change. This upcoming season is going to be a wild ride for the Lakers. With James gone and Reaves stepping into a new leadership role, the spotlight is going to be intense. How will Reaves handle being the veteran presence and go-to guy without his long-time mentor? That's the question every fan will be asking as the new season kicks off. It's a new chapter, and it's time to see what this younger Lakers squad can really do.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.