Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves believes the game “is much easier” when Luka Doncic is on the court, even though Reaves has posted career-best numbers while the All-NBA guard nursed an injury.
Speaking after recent performances, Reaves credited Doncic and LeBron James for pulling defensive attention that lets him operate as a secondary playmaker. “When he is out there, he draws so much attention along with LeBron that I’m able to be a secondary playmaker and play advantage basketball,” Reaves said in an interview aired on NBA on Prime. “So hurry back, but congrats to you.”
Heavy production in short-handed lineups
James has missed 16 games this season and Doncic has been sidelined for six. During those stretches, Reaves has shouldered the scoring load. Through 19 games, the fifth-year guard is averaging 29.3 points on 52.5 percent shooting. When Doncic is out, his scoring jumps to 40.0 points on 51.4 percent from the field.
Reaves’ surge includes a 44-point performance in a win over the Toronto Raptors and a 36-point effort against the Boston Celtics, strengthening his candidacy for a first All-Star selection.
Oct. 31 snapshot in Memphis
The synergy Reaves referenced was on display Oct. 31, 2025, at FedExForum in Memphis. During a second-quarter timeout, cameras caught Doncic (jersey No. 77) and Reaves celebrating together as the Lakers faced the Grizzlies.
LeBron’s late-game decision draws praise
Reaves also applauded James for prioritizing a win over personal milestones in the Raptors matchup. James finished with eight points, passing on a potential shot that would have extended his double-digit scoring streak. Instead, he created the play that ended with a Rui Hachimura buzzer-beater.
“He made the right play as always,” Reaves noted postgame, tipping his hat to the four-time MVP.
With both stars trending toward full health, Reaves hopes his current workload eases—but the guard’s recent stretch offers a glimpse of a potent backcourt once Doncic returns.
Source: LakersNation.com
