The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a significant adjustment in the upcoming season following the departure of LeBron James. His absence, even at 41, creates a void that will require a collective effort to fill, particularly concerning his leadership and basketball IQ.
Austin Reaves, who recently signed a four-year, $180 million contract to remain with the Lakers, is expected to take on a more prominent leadership role. Reaves acknowledged that starting the season without James will be a new experience, stating, “I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet. Starting the season without him being on the team is going to be different for me. He’s kind of all I’ve ever known.” Despite the change, Reaves expressed his respect for James’ decision.
Last season, Reaves achieved a career-high average of 23.3 points, along with 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. His scoring average has consistently increased since his second NBA season, and with James’ departure, there may be more opportunities for him to further boost his statistics. Reaves, at 28, is entering a key phase of his career, and despite a gastrocnemius strain that sidelined him earlier, he is poised to play a crucial role in the Lakers’ pursuit of their 18th NBA championship.
New Additions and Roster Changes
To compensate for James’ averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game last season, the Lakers have brought in several new players. Guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, along with big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, are among those expected to contribute significantly. Reaves expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, “The pieces that are coming in, I’m very excited about and I’m happy to get started today and see where it goes.”
The Lakers’ offseason strategy has been to build a complementary roster around Luka Dončić. Keeping Reaves was a key part of this effort, and he reportedly took a discount on his original extension to provide the team with financial flexibility. Reaves confirmed his desire to stay, saying, “I wanted to be a Laker the whole time. My heart was in L.A. the whole time.”
The team’s roster has seen substantial changes, with eight new players joining through trades, free agency, or the draft. All the players who started alongside Reaves in the playoffs last spring are no longer with the team. Among the new faces is Walker Kessler, a center acquired from the Utah Jazz. Kessler, who played only five games last season due to shoulder surgery, acknowledged the team’s significant investment in him, stating, “It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you.”
Other new players include Ziaire Williams, and Kevon Looney. Cameron Carr was also drafted. Deandre Ayton was traded to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and future draft picks. There are also rumors that the Lakers are attempting to add Jonathan Kuminga. Sexton, who previously saw James depart when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, found humor in the situation, noting James’ repeated departures upon his arrival. Sexton averaged 15.4 points last season with Chicago and Charlotte, and is ready for his role under coach JJ Redick.
Reaves’ New Leadership Role
Reaves will assume a leadership role alongside Dončić, with whom he shares a close bond. He described Dončić as “one of my best friends on this planet,” indicating a strong foundation for their collaboration on the court. This partnership is expected to anchor the team’s new identity.
The transition without James will be a significant challenge, but Reaves is embracing the new dynamics. He noted that “everybody knows it’s a completely different team,” and he is prepared for different responsibilities that may be asked of him by coach Redick and the staff. The team is set to begin its new chapter with a revamped roster and a focus on building around its core players.
The Lakers’ goal for the offseason has been to surround Dončić with a roster that complements his abilities, a strategy that heavily factored into keeping Reaves in Los Angeles for the long term.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
