Lakers' Austin Reaves gets real on what it is like seeing LeBron James suit up for 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This past free agency was an exciting one in the NBA, as players went to different teams and unexpected blockbuster deals went down. However, all eyes were on LeBron James from the moment the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James appeared to be considering retirement, but ultimately decided to continue playing. Before free agency, he let the Lakers know he would not be re-signing with them.
“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.
For the first time in Austin Reaves' career, he will not be teammates with James, who helped him develop into the player he is today. When the news first broke, Reaves admitted that he did not know how to process everything.
“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,” Reaves said.
James opened the season on Tuesday night with the Philadelphia 76ers. During Lakers practice, Reaves offered insight into his reaction to seeing James play for a team other than Los Angeles.
“I already seen him in the preseason. I almost texted him and told him he looked crazy. ... But that's my guy and I wish him nothing but the best,” Reaves told the media.
As Reaves adjusted to life in the NBA, James took the undrafted guard under his wing. The two built a special bond that will remain even though they are now on separate teams.
There is no doubt it will take some getting used to, but Reaves likes what Los Angeles has put together. Losing James as a teammate was difficult, especially since they had been together throughout Reaves' entire NBA career.
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