The Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest story entering the new NBA season isn’t a win, a loss, or even Luka Doncic’s arrival — it’s the glaring absence of LeBron James. The 40-year-old legend is still sidelined with sciatica, leaving fans to wonder not just when he’ll return, but whether this could be the beginning of the end.
And while the team tries to steady the ship, one offhand comment from Austin Reaves may have just lit a fuse no one saw coming.
Speaking after the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Golden State Warriors, Reaves made what he later described as a “light-hearted” remark about LeBron’s status:
“If I was LeBron James, I probably would’ve retired by now,” he said with a laugh. “But he’s one of the greatest players to ever touch the basketball, so you have to do it as a collective group.”
But in Los Angeles, words like that don’t just fade away. Especially when they come during a turbulent start and from a player whose name has been floating through trade rumors for months.
Reaves, 27, is playing without a long-term deal, and his rising stock has made him a constant target in hypothetical trades. In the span of a few weeks, he’s been mock-traded everywhere from Utah (for Lauri Markkanen) to Golden State (for Jonathan Kuminga) — even Milwaukee, in an impossible blockbuster involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Now, there’s a new twist. According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been urged to pursue Reaves as a perfect backcourt partner for Anthony Edwards. Swartz called him a “better overall version of Donte DiVincenzo” — a high compliment that also paints Reaves as a major piece the Lakers might not be willing to pay.
Contract concerns are at the center of it all. Reaves reportedly declined an early extension and could hit restricted free agency this summer. If the Lakers balk at his price tag, a sign-and-trade could easily send him elsewhere — perhaps Minnesota, perhaps beyond.
Meanwhile, LeBron’s uncertain timeline looms over everything. Without him, Doncic and Reaves have shouldered most of the offensive load. Against the Warriors, the duo combined for nearly two-thirds of the team’s points. But both walked away banged up — Doncic with a mild groin strain, Reaves with ankle discomfort.
Head coach JJ Redick tried to ease concerns, telling reporters that both are expected to play in the Lakers’ next matchup. “I know Austin,” Redick said. “I expect him to play.”
Doncic downplayed his own issue: “It’s probably nothing. I just felt it twist a little, but it’s nothing serious.”
Still, the mood around the Lakers feels fragile. With James out indefinitely and the roster still finding its rhythm, any spark — even a playful jab about retirement — can ignite speculation.
Reaves’ comment might have been a joke, but in today’s NBA, perception moves faster than the ball. For now, he’s still in purple and gold, still smiling, still hustling. But whispers around the league say the Lakers’ chemistry could soon face its biggest test yet — one that even Luka magic might not fix.
Because when the King isn’t on the court, every word carries a little more weight.
Leave a Reply