Lakers' $185 million guard reveals what he texted LeBron James after departure

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Los Angeles Lakers star guard Austin Reaves shares what he told LeBron James when he found out that the 41-year-old would be departing the team this summer.

Reaves, who was on the golf course the day James decided to part ways with the Lakers, told the four-time NBA champion that he ruined his day.

“I texted him,” Reaves said of his initial reaction to James bolting from Los Angeles, “and told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it.”

James broke the internet on June 30 when ESPN's Shams Charania shared the news that the future Hall of Famer would be finding a new team for the 2026-27 season.

While it didn't come as a complete shock, many expected James to remain in Los Angeles, considering his best chance to win another title was with the Lakers.

However, James mentioned how he is prioritizing "happiness" with a chance to join a competitive ball club and an organizational fit.

The four-time NBA MVP played eight seasons in Los Angeles, five of those with the undrafted Reaves.

Lakers’ new era begins with Austin Reaves

The 28-year-old Reaves was once one of the youngest players on the roster. As things stand in early July, he will enter the upcoming season as the second-oldest player on the team.

It's a new era in Los Angeles that will be led by Reaves and six-time All-Star Luka Doncic.

The Lakers prioritized Reaves, signing him to a massive four-year, $185 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2029-30 season. It is the richest contract for an undrafted player in NBA history.

The Arkansas native is significantly richer, but he'll be so without the veteran forward wearing the purple and gold.

“I don’t have enough time to explain how much he means to me and my career and what he’s done for me,” Reaves said.

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

Reaves will enter the 2026-27 season as the clear-cut second-best player on the Lakers and one of the central pieces of the franchise’s next chapter.