Reaves adjusted his contract to take $5 million less! Still hasn't fully processed LeBron's departure, praises new teammate Kessler.

On July 14 Beijing time, earlier this month, Austin Reaves signed the largest contract in NBA history for an undrafted player.Reaves ultimately signed a four-year, $180 million deal, taking $5 million less than the initial agreement, which will give the Lakers more financial flexibility and potentially allow them to use the full mid-level exception next year.Today, wearing a backward cap and a golf T-shirt, Reaves gave his first media interview since signing the extension, still appearing as the humble, familiar figure. He admitted that while he himself hasn't changed, his teammates have—most notably LeBron James's departure.

Speaking about LeBron's decision to leave after eight years with the Lakers, Reaves said, "Honestly, I haven't fully processed it yet. Not having him on the team next season will be a completely different experience for me. He's been by my side since I entered the league. He's always around, joking around with a mentality like a 15-year-old. But it's his own decision, and I have nothing but love and respect for him."

Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million extension with a player option in the final year. Going into his sixth season with the Lakers, he will take on an unprecedented responsibility, carrying the team alongside Luka Doncic.

"Luka is one of my best friends in the world," Reaves said. "We talk almost every day. He'll send me videos of his golf swing and ask me how to improve, and I just tell him I'm not a coach."

Last week, Reaves participated in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe, which featured basketball figures such as Stephen Curry, Dell Curry, Ray Allen, Doc Rivers, and Vinny Del Negro. He didn't arrive in Las Vegas until late Sunday night local time.

There, he met several new teammates: Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. All of the Lakers' new additions gathered in Las Vegas to meet with the coaching staff and participate in intra-squad scrimmages.

"I'm really excited about these new teammates," Reaves said. "I'm happy we're all officially together today, and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do."

Kessler and Reaves previously played together for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. Speaking about the 7-foot-1 center, Reaves said, "He's tall and easygoing, loves life, and has a very funny personality. On the court, you can see his impact clearly. He's a strong defender, efficient in pick-and-roll finishes, and has high basketball IQ. I'm really happy to be his teammate."

The team needs the new members to fill the gaps left by several key players' departures: not just James, but also Smart joining the Houston Rockets, Ayton going to the Washington Wizards, Hachimura moving to the LA Clippers, and Kennard signing with the Phoenix Suns. This group of playoff Lakers starters all changed teams within just a few months.

"Everyone knows this team is completely new," Reaves said. "The coaching staff will have new demands for everyone. If JJ (Redick) and the coaching team ask me to take on more responsibilities, I'll give it my all."

Last season, Reaves said in an ESPN interview that he hopes to "wear a Lakers jersey for life." Securing this big contract this summer has taken a key step toward that goal.

"I always wanted to stay with the Lakers," Reaves said. "Between the end of the season and the start of free agency on July 1, we had some time to negotiate the extension, and we finally reached an agreement before the window opened. My heart has always been in Los Angeles."