‘Different for me’; Austin Reaves makes emotional LeBron admission as Lakers usher in Luka Doncic era

Austin Reaves Embraces New Chapter for Lakers as LeBron Era Ends

Different for me Austin Reaves makes – After eight years, the Los Angeles Lakers are beginning a new NBA season without their iconic franchise leader, LeBron James, who guided them to the 2020 championship. This marks the first time since 2016 that the team will start without the four-time NBA champion, who has been a central figure in its recent success.

Reaves Reflects on Emotional Transition

The departure of James has naturally impacted the remaining players, and Austin Reaves is no exception, expressing a deep emotional connection to the transition. For Reaves, the Lakers’ new era without LeBron still feels surreal, as he shared in an interview with Dave McMenamin.

“I was thinking about it last night when I arrived. Starting a season without him on the team is going to be different for me. That’s kind of all I’ve ever known. He’s always been around, joking, acting like he’s 15 years old,” the 28-year-old said.

Reaves acknowledged that he hasn’t fully processed James’ exit, highlighting the contrast between the team’s past and its future. Yet he emphasized that the decision ultimately rested with LeBron, and he still holds immense admiration for the veteran star.

“But that’s his decision. Like I said in Tahoe, and every other time I’ve been asked about it, I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him. Now let’s go play some golf soon,” Reaves added.

Rise to Prominence Amid Uncertainty

When Austin Reaves joined the Lakers in 2021 as an undrafted free agent under a two-way contract, initial expectations for him were modest. However, injuries and roster changes complicating the season allowed him to step into a pivotal role, showcasing his potential and earning recognition from the team’s leadership.

James, who has been a cornerstone of the Lakers’ identity, emerged as a vocal advocate for Reaves, often lauding his contributions. This support helped foster a strong on-court and off-court partnership, with Reaves becoming a trusted member of the roster.

Statistical Validation of Growth

The last season marked a breakthrough for Reaves, who delivered his most impactful performance yet. With LeBron unavailable early in the year and Luka Doncic sidelined for multiple games, the Lakers leaned heavily on Reaves to carry their offense. Even after both superstars returned, his role remained central to the team’s strategy.

His standout performance, including averages of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, along with a 49.0% field goal and 36.0% three-point shooting accuracy, solidified his status as a top-tier offensive guard. These numbers underscore his emergence as a key player in the new Lakers era.

About the Author

Ojas Jaiswal, a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, serves as a key contributor to the US Desk, focusing on American sports and global news. His work spans intense NFL action to dynamic NBA narratives, weaving together factual insights with captivating storytelling.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bennett University, Jaiswal brings over two years of experience in digital journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, he worked with EssentiallySports, a leading digital sports media platform catering to American audiences, where he contributed across editorial and engagement roles. He also interned with Times Network at the Sports Desk, producing articles and video content across diverse sports, from Formula 1 to football.

Known for his commitment to factual accuracy, Jaiswal was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Editing during his college years. Beyond sports, he closely follows international affairs and global developments, while also exploring documentaries from different cultures and regions worldwide.

A lifelong football enthusiast, Jaiswal has admired Lionel Messi since childhood and continues to draw inspiration from the football icon’s journey and legacy.