Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Detail Rapidly Growing Friendship
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ new-look backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves has been central to the club’s fast start, and both guards say their on-court chemistry is rooted in a friendship that formed almost immediately after Doncic’s arrival.
Speaking with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Reaves said the pair’s bond extends well beyond basketball. “We like to compete in everything—cards, bowling, darts,” he explained, adding that Doncic has yet to beat him at darts. “We act like we’re probably 10-year-old best friends. You care about the person more than just basketball, and that carries over because you don’t want to let that person down.”
Doncic echoed the sentiment, noting that their understanding of each other’s tendencies developed naturally. “We kind of understand what the other is going to do, so I would say it’s a little bit natural,” he said.
A Lakers team source told ESPN that Doncic’s respect for Reaves grew quickly as the guard continued to produce at an All-Star level. “He’s realizing, ‘F, Austin is good!’” the source said, comparing Doncic’s appreciation to the admiration he once had for former backcourt partners Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving.
Head coach JJ Redick described the relationship as “in a really healthy place,” noting that both players discovered during the preseason that they share a love for talking trash. “Their personalities in that regard are very similar, so they can create chemistry just by being themselves,” Redick said.
Doncic signed a contract extension with the Lakers during the offseason, while Reaves is in a contract year. Both sides have indicated an interest in a long-term agreement that would keep the duo together as the franchise’s starting backcourt for years to come.
The pair’s synergy was on display during the Lakers’ 124-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 10 at Spectrum Center, where they combined for 57 points.
Source: Lakers Nation
