Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić have quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s most productive and intriguing duos during the 2025–26 season, both on and off the court. Their chemistry has been especially vital for the Los Angeles Lakers, who leaned heavily on the pair when LeBron James missed the first 14 games of the season while recovering from a sciatica issue.
With James sidelined, the offensive burden shifted squarely to Dončić and Reaves, and they responded with poise and consistency. Dončić has been phenomenal, leading the league with 34.1 points per game while also contributing 8.8 assists and 8.6 rebounds. Reaves, meanwhile, has exceeded expectations as a co-star, averaging 27.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per night.
Austin Reaves Shares How His Friendship With Luka Dončić Took Shape
Now that James is back in the lineup, the Lakers have evolved into a legitimate contender, currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference with a 19–9 record. Beyond the wins and numbers, however, one storyline has stood out during the Lakers’ surge: the rapidly growing bond between Reaves and Dončić.
Reaves recently opened up about how his relationship with Dončić began to form, pointing to a lighthearted moment shortly after the Slovenian superstar signed his $165 million contract extension in August. To celebrate, Dončić organized a team trip to Las Vegas, where players, coaches, and staff attended a Backstreet Boys concert at the Sphere.
Reaves missed the event due to an overseas endorsement obligation promoting his Rigorer signature sneakers in China. While Dončić was in Las Vegas belting out “I Want It That Way,” Reaves was halfway across the world.
When Dončić posted about the celebration on Instagram, Reaves sent a congratulatory message.
Reaves shared with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the exchange unexpectedly sparked their friendship.
“He slid [in my direct messages] and was like, ‘Thanks for coming to Vegas,’” Reaves recalled.
Reaves responded by sending a selfie from Xiamen, China, which immediately set the tone.
“I could tell, like, the joking spirit that he had,” Reaves said. “It was just a breath of fresh air. I could tell at that moment that we were going to have a good relationship.”
Dončić fired back with humor of his own.
“I said he’s too big [for me],” Dončić joked. “He’s selling shoes in China now.”
Reaves–Dončić Bond Matters for the Lakers’ Future
Since then, the two have grown close, spending time together at Dončić’s house working out, playing games, and hanging out with Dončić’s friends, assistant coach Greg St. Jean, and video coordinator Michael Wexler. They have even taken their competitive streak to the bowling alley, where Reaves claims a 3–0 record over his superstar teammate.
The friendship carries added significance given Dončić’s relatively recent arrival in Los Angeles following a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February. Building trust and chemistry so quickly has helped stabilize the Lakers during a transitional stretch.
So far, Reaves has appeared in 42 games alongside Dončić. This season, he is thriving as the Lakers’ second scoring option. Their on-court connection mirrors their off-court rapport. Most recently, they became the fourth duo in the past 50 years to score 30-plus points in three straight games.
Reaves, Dončić, and the Lakers will return to action on Christmas night, hosting Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ABC and ESPN.
