Austin Reaves Says Luka Doncic Could Average 40 Points for Lakers
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Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves believes new teammate Luka Doncic is capable of putting up historic numbers this season. Speaking after the club’s 123-118 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 24, Reaves told ESPN he would not be surprised if the Slovenian star maintained a 40-point scoring average.
“Yes,” Reaves said when asked whether Doncic could reach the 40-point plateau for the year. “Could Doncic average 40, and would it help the team win? Yes. He’s so good, it’s weird.”
Doncic has opened the 2025-26 campaign in dominant fashion. Through two games, he is posting 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists while shooting 62 percent from the field. His latest outing produced 49 points, 11 boards and eight assists on 14-of-23 shooting, helping the Lakers avenge an opening-night loss to Minnesota.
Reaves, who is averaging 25.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 10.0 assists on 58.1 percent shooting, downplayed Doncic’s lone misfire of the night — a late dunk attempt — before praising his co-star.
“You’ve seen the dunk; it wasn’t very explosive,” Reaves joked. “I would claim it as a dunk, but I’m not very athletic. He’s obviously one of the best players in the league. He’s been that since he got into the league. It’s crazy because you look at the numbers he’s putting up, but he does it in a way where everybody’s involved. He’s such a good passer, and that’s enough compliments for him.”
Historic start
Doncic’s scoring binge has already landed him in the record books. He is the first player in Lakers history and only the fourth in NBA history — joining Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain — to open a season with back-to-back 40-point games. His 92 total points are the third-highest two-game start ever recorded.
The Lakers expect to reintegrate LeBron James soon, but head coach Darvin Ham said the early production from Doncic and Reaves has set an encouraging tone for a roster aiming to return to championship contention.
Source: LakersNation.com
