LeBron James has played against roughly a third of all players in NBA history. Let that sink in for a second.
Over a 23-year career, he’s shared the court with - and against - hundreds of players, from No. 1 overall picks to guys who had to claw their way into the league as undrafted long shots. That kind of longevity isn’t just rare - it’s unprecedented.
And it’s what makes every new chapter in LeBron’s career feel like a continuation of basketball history itself.
One of the more compelling recent chapters? His connection with Austin Reaves.
Reaves, now a rising name in the Lakers' rotation, didn’t come into the league with much fanfare. He wasn’t a lottery pick or a college phenom with a shoe deal waiting.
He started on a two-way contract after going undrafted out of Oklahoma. But what he’s done since then is earn every minute, every touch, and - maybe most impressively - the trust of LeBron James.
That trust didn’t take long to build. In a recent interview, Reaves recalled the exact moment he felt like he belonged on the floor with the King.
“There was one play in particular,” Reaves said. “I drove down past Rondo, then threw a no-look pass to LeBron, and he dunked it.
After that, it lifted the weight of the world off my shoulders - and it was time to play basketball.”
That play wasn’t just a highlight - it was a turning point. For a young player trying to find his footing in the league, sharing the floor with LeBron can be both a blessing and a pressure cooker.
You either click with him or you don’t. And Reaves?
He clicked.
Since then, his game has only grown. He’s become more than just a role player - he’s a legitimate piece of the Lakers’ future. His ability to play off LeBron, stretch the floor, make smart decisions, and bring energy on both ends has made him invaluable in L.A.'s rotation.
But while Reaves is on the rise, questions continue to swirl around LeBron’s future.
He’s done it all - championships, MVPs, Olympic gold, scoring records. He’s a global icon who’s transcended the sport. But as this season winds down, the league is buzzing with one big question: Is this the end of the road for LeBron James?
Retirement talk is heating up. And if he does decide to hang it up, it would mark the end of one of the most remarkable careers in sports history.
But if he doesn’t? Well, things get interesting.
There’s growing chatter about potential destinations should LeBron decide to move on from the Lakers. According to Brian Windhorst, Cleveland - where it all began - is one of the teams to watch.
Golden State has also been floated, depending on how their offseason shakes out. And while Windhorst didn’t name every team he’s watching, he hinted that there are a couple of surprising possibilities he’s keeping tabs on.
Meanwhile, the Lakers appear to be shifting focus. The franchise is reportedly committed to building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves moving forward. And if that’s the case, LeBron could find himself on the outside looking in - not because he can’t still play at a high level, but because the Lakers might be looking to the future.
So where does that leave LeBron? That’s the million-dollar question.
But one thing’s for sure: Whether he stays in L.A., returns to Cleveland, or surprises us all with a new chapter, LeBron’s next move will send ripples through the league. And for players like Austin Reaves, who got to share the floor - and a moment - with one of the greatest to ever do it, that’s a memory that’ll last long after the final buzzer sounds.