NBA Notes: Lakers, Austin Reaves, Jazz, Trey Alexander, Pelicans

Lakers

Austin Reaves knows things will look different in Los Angeles this season.

Speaking Monday in Las Vegas, Reaves admitted it still hasn’t fully sunk in that LeBron James is no longer a Laker after eight seasons.

“I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet,” Reaves said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Starting the season without him being on the team is going to be different for me.”

Still, Reaves said there’s nothing but “love and respect” for James and expressed excitement about helping lead a new-look Lakers team alongside Luka Doncic.

Reaves also praised the club’s offseason additions, including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili, saying he’s eager to see how the revamped roster comes together.

The veteran guard recently agreed to a four-year, $180 million extension and reiterated that remaining with the Lakers was always his goal.

“I wanted to be a Laker the whole time,” he said.

Jazz

The Jazz are awaiting an update on guard Trey Alexander after he was stretchered off the floor during Monday night’s Summer League game against the Bulls.

Alexander appeared to suffer the injury after driving to the basket and colliding with Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson. Utah has not yet released an official update.

Meanwhile, second-year wing Ace Bailey continues to battle recurring back spasms.

Bailey missed most of the Salt Lake City Summer League because of the issue, sat out Utah’s Las Vegas opener and exited Sunday’s game early after his back tightened up again.

“It’s a worry,” coach Steve Wojciechowski said, via Sarah Todd of the Deseret News.

Given the lingering discomfort, Bailey may be finished for the remainder of Summer League.

Pelicans

The Pelicans weren’t taking any chances with veteran center DeAndre Jordan.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, New Orleans increased its offer from one guaranteed year to two because team officials believed Jordan could sign elsewhere if only a one-year deal was on the table.

The move wasn’t driven solely by Jordan’s on-court production.

Rather, the Pelicans reportedly viewed the veteran’s leadership and locker-room presence as valuable enough to guarantee a second season.

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