Austin Reeves casually dismisses the GOAT ahead of LeBron James’ return

Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James is the last player Austin Reaves is anxious to adjust as he begins his 23rd NBA season. As James is inches closer to making his Lakers debut in 2025-26Reaves discussed the benefits that await LeBron in his first full season alongside Luka Doncic.

For Reaves, James will have no problem adjusting to this year’s Lakers team. If anything, Reaves has faith in this year’s team makes things easier than ever for LeBron, the greatest player ever, he said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“He’s the greatest player to ever touch the basketball. So he’s going to do what he does in situations. I think everybody’s hitting Luka right now if he’s not a short guy, he’s going to be the other guy on the high four who’s just going to be able to play advantage basketball in a way that I guess he’s never played before because he’s the main focus on him for age 23. 4-on-3 advantage and I believe good things are going to happen.”

“He’s the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, so he’s going to do what he does… Put him in a 4-on-3 and I believe good things will happen” – Austin Reeves on how LeBron James can make defenses pay for Luka Doncic’s blitz when he has the ball pic.twitter.com/HJV1Rukk4E

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 17, 2025

Reaves’ occasional GOAT label for James undoubtedly stands out from his view of LeBron. However, his opinion about how much better things will be for the 21-time All-Star is valid, considering the Lakers are off to a 10-4 start with Reaves and Doncic leading the way.

LeBron James is inches closer to debuting for the 2025-26 Lakers

While some are concerned about Austin Reeves Production When LeBron James Returns for the Lakers, the starting point guard says no one should worry about James ahead of his season debut. However, LeBron himself admits it will take some time for him to catch up with the rest of his teammates, as noted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“My lungs feel like a newborn … I have to get my lungs back to a grown man,” James said. McMenamin also reported that James “said he’s going to have to see how his body reacts today before deciding whether or not he’s going to play tomorrow.”

The Lakers will host the Jazz on Tuesday.