The questions about LeBron James' future dominated the postgame space after Monday's elimination loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves had something different to say. The guard finished Game 4 with a team-high 27 points as the Lakers fell 115-110 to close out a four-game sweep. After everything had been said about the result, Reaves spoke about the man who helped shape his career.
"My rookie year, I had no idea what the heck was going on," Reaves told reporters. "He took me under his wing and has given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for. He trusted me. We've built a real friendship. He's taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career."
Nobody knows yet whether James will continue playing. He has entered free agency with his two-year, $101.35 million contract expired and no public commitment to a 24th NBA season.
Austin Reaves on LeBron James: “My rookie year, I had no idea what the heck was going on. He took me under his wing and has given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for. He trusted me. We’ve built a real friendship… He’s taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career.” pic.twitter.com/gee9AZ9u6n
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 12, 2026
The Reaves-LeBron dynamic and why it matters beyond sentiment
The growth of Reaves over the past three seasons has been one of the genuine stories of the Lakers franchise. He went from an undrafted free agent trying to stick on a roster to a starter making just under $15 million next season on his own player option.
Reaves holds a $14,898,786 player option for 2026-27, which now becomes one of the franchise's significant decisions heading into the offseason.
James involved him in plays, trusted him with big moments, and advocated for him in ways that shaped how the organization and coaches viewed the guard.
If James leaves Los Angeles, Reaves begins the next chapter without the person who gave him his biggest platform.
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