Reaves Texted LeBron: 'You Ruined My Golf Day'
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Austin Reaves told the California Post on Wednesday that he texted LeBron James after learning James was leaving the Lakers: 'I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it.'
- Reaves credited James for shaping his career over five seasons together in Los Angeles, saying 'He's taught me a lot' and 'given me confidence every single day.'
- Reaves wrote James a farewell message: 'Thank you for everything. See you on the golf course soon brother,' after the two bonded over golf — a game James only picked up last year.
- Reaves and James had a viral moment in January 2022 when James gave Reaves in-game instructions and Reaves' surprised expression became a meme; they revisited it on their 'Mind the Game' podcast in March.
- James has yet to announce his next destination as a free agent, while Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million deal to stay with the Lakers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Why it matters: Reaves, set to anchor the Lakers' future on a four-year, $185 million extension, is losing the veteran who he credits with giving him confidence throughout his career. James' departure ends a five-season partnership that Reaves says taught him 'a lot' — leaving the 27-year-old as the Lakers' lead guard without his longtime mentor.
