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It’s going to take a while getting used to seeing LeBron James in a 76ers uniform.
Even Austin Reaves feels that way.
“I already seen him preseason,” Reaves said at Lakers practice Tuesday. “I almost texted him and told him he looked crazy. Nah, it’s definitely different. But that’s my guy and I wish him nothing but the best. And I’ll definitely watch the game tonight.”
James played for the Lakers eight straight seasons, his longest consecutive stretch anywhere in his career, before leaving for Philadelphia in free agency.
The megastar will make his regular season debut with his new team in Tuesday’s season-opener against the Knicks at 4 p.m. PST.
James and Reaves played together for five seasons, including reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2024.
Reaves quickly gained James’ respect. And Reaves would often pay homage to James, who’s arguably the greatest player of all time (GOAT), by making bleating noises as James spoke to reporters.
Reaves signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Lakers this offseason, the richest contract in NBA history for a player who went undrafted.
Reaves, who said it would “mean the world to me” to play with James again this season before he eventually chose to leave, has nothing but well-wishes for the 41-year-old James, who has been the face of the league for two decades.
“I didn’t end up texting him [about his uniform],” Reaves said. “I should’ve. I’ll definitely shoot him a text before the game tonight.”