Photo: Peter Baba

Austin Reaves says it will take some time to adjust to the idea of beginning a season without LeBron James as a teammate after spending his entire NBA career alongside the four-time champion.

Speaking about the upcoming campaign, Reaves admitted he is still processing the reality of James no longer being part of the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet,” he said. “I mean, I kind of was thinking about it last night when I got here. Starting a season without him being on the team is going to be different for me.

“It’s kind of all I’ve ever known … But, that’s his decision. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him.”

Reaves has been with the Lakers since 2021, while James won an NBA championship during his seven seasons in Los Angeles.