For a while, the NBA world was fascinated by the growing bond between LeBron James and Luka Dončić in Los Angeles. But as that narrative dimmed slightly, another relationship began drawing attention.
It was the increasingly close connection between James and Austin Reaves. Now, a new report has put that friendship under a different spotlight.
NBA Insider’s Latest Revelation Regarding Lebron James and Austin Reaves
The revelation came from Law Murray of “The Athletic” during a recent Reddit AMA. A Reddit user asked Murray how the Philadelphia 76ers’ offense could look this season with Jaylen Brown, James, and potentially Joel Embiid all healthy.
Before getting into Philadelphia’s offensive possibilities, Murray discussed James’ role and claimed that the veteran star had an “internal conflict” last season regarding how much he had to defer to Reaves.
Murray also noted that James understood Dončić was the Lakers’ top option in certain situations but was pleased that he could still operate as the lead option during the postseason, particularly during their successful series against Houston.
“Covering LeBron James last season, he had an internal conflict going on with how much he had to defer to Austin Reaves (even Bron understood that Luka was the top dawg in any circumstance),” Murray wrote on Reddit.
The comments quickly began making the rounds online. The NBA world appeared split over whether Murray’s reporting explained something that had been visible all along or whether the claim was being blown out of proportion.
One influencer argued that the report was “obvious,” pointing toward the timing of Reaves’ contract extension and James’ eventual departure from Los Angeles.
They wrote, “Its obvious thats why when reaves got his extension lebron preceded to announce he wont be resigning with the lakers.”
That reaction focused on the belief that Reaves’ growing role could have played a part in James’ decision. As per ESPN, Reaves initially agreed to a four-year, $185 million extension with a player option on the final season before ultimately signing a four-year, $180 million deal.
Its obvious thats why when reaves got his extension lebron preceded to announce he wont be resigning with the lakers
— Hater (@swishsmith2020) August 29, 2026
However, another influencer completely rejected the narrative.
They said, “More [expletive] reporting. This sounds like completely made up. Everyone knows LeBron LOVES Reaves. If that was true why the [expletive] would he go to Philly and be 4th option? You [expletive] make no sense lmfaoo.”
That skepticism was strengthened by a recent viral video from golf content account “Bob Does Sports.” The footage showed James, Reaves, and Bronny James together after playing golf, with James casually chatting with his former Lakers teammate.
The reunion suggested that whatever basketball-related disagreements may have existed, James and Reaves still appear to have a strong personal relationship.
More BULLSHIT reporting. This sounds like completely made up.
Everyone knows LeBron LOVES Reaves. If that was true why the fuck would he go to Philly and be 4th option? You mfers make no sense lmfaoo
— WGM 👑 (@WhatGattusoMad_) August 29, 2026
One influencer therefore questioned the logic behind the report, arguing that if James genuinely disliked playing alongside Reaves, it would be strange for James to be the one leaving Los Angeles while Reaves remained with the Lakers.
“[Expletive] then why would he go to the Sixers if this were true ??? He has to defer even more now false narratives already tryna drum up,” the influencer commented.
Nigga then why would he go to the Sixers if this were true ???
He has to defer even more now 💀💀💀 false narratives already tryna drum up
— NoMadDubois (@TriggaTwitta) August 29, 2026
However, one user sided with Murray’s explanation and suggested that James’ decision would be understandable if the reported conflict over Reaves’ role was indeed taking place. They stated that if they were in James’ position, they would have made the same decision and chosen to leave the Lakers.
“Rightfully so cus if I’m in brons position I’m not taking a step back for the dude who I helped build up and is like 15 years younger than me,” the user wrote.
Rightfully so lwk cus if I’m in brons position I’m not taking a step back for the dude who I helped build up and is like 15 years younger than me
— 𝓜𝓐𝓜𝓑𝓐 ✨️ (@Cashu77) August 29, 2026
Ultimately, Murray’s comments have opened another debate about James’ final season in Los Angeles.
