The Los Angeles Lakers are in a bit of a frenzy this summer after the latest rumors surrounding LeBron James and Luka Doncic. As King James reconsiders his loyalties, Luka’s reputation just keeps on taking hits after claims that nobody on the team likes being his teammate. Recently, Reaves’ agent revealed the truth on his client’s relationship with Luka and debunked the myth that he didn’t enjoy the experience of playing together last season.
“Austin has nothing but the utmost respect for Luka and truly enjoys playing alongside him,” said Doncic, via Trevor Lane. “Any suggestion to the contrary is completely false. He’s excited to be on the court with Luka—both now and in the future.”
The Lakers shocked the basketball world last season when they pulled off the blockbuster trade for Luka. It took Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick, but GM Rob Pelinka was willing to pay the price if it meant adding one of the game’s best young players to his team.
While the transition was rocky for Doncic, it didn’t take him long to start adapting to his new surroundings. In 50 games last season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. He took the Lakers to the third seed in the West before their first-round elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the weeks following his move to Los Angeles, the Mavericks exposed some of Luka’s greatest flaws and questioned his commitment as a leader and competitor. In their eyes, Doncic set a bad example for his team, and his selfish play style cost them the chance to win the title.
Additionally, Luka’s tendency to hog the ball in isolation and take over the offense has raised some questions about the experience of playing with him. Oftentimes, his teammates would spend half the shot clock sitting in the corner as Doncic was making his move (with mixed results).
So, when claims were made that Reaves and LeBron didn’t enjoy playing with Doncic, it raised some concern about how he’d continue to mesh with the current Lakers regime. With guys like LeBron and Reaves, who like the ball in their hands, Luka must learn when to defer to his co-stars to keep them involved and engaged throughout the game.
For what it’s worth, Austin Reaves had his best stretch yet as a Laker last season, half of which came by Doncic’s side. With averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, he emerged as a true All-Star for Los Angeles, and it helped him earn a permanent place in JJ Redick’s rotation.
Going into next season, Reaves has nothing to hold against Luka. In fact, he’s looking forward to continuing their partnership and forming one of the best backcourt duos in the Western Conference. With another two years and $28 million on his deal, Reaves isn’t going anywhere, and neither is Luka as the face and future of the Lakers. In truth, this is just the start of their run together, and Reaves knows how important their chemistry will be in determining the Lakers’ success next season.
