The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as title contenders in the NBA’s early moments, thanks to the strong play of guard Luka Dončić. Secondary playmaker Austin Reaves has taken his game to the next level as well, which makes the team even more dangerous.
Dončić and Reaves are developing a special bond, and Dončić’s latest actions are a clear sign of that.
What Did Luka Dončić Say To Austin Reaves
Popular NBA social media account Fullcourtpass posted on X, “Luka Dončić while shielding Austin Reaves from the refs. That’s my boy.” The video shows Dončić essentially protecting a frustrated Reaves from getting a technical foul while speaking in the direction of the referees.
Luka Doncic while shielding Austin Reaves from the refs 💀
“That’s my boy”
(Via @LADEig) pic.twitter.com/eCu9osqkaA
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 26, 2025
While it may seem ironic that Dončić is stopping someone else from complaining to the refs or getting a technical foul, it’s also a clear sign that Dončić is embracing his leadership role and the responsibility that comes with being the new face of the Lakers.
Dončić and Reaves were a significant part of the Lakers’ 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, which clinched the NBA Western Conference Group B. By winning Group B, the Lakers advanced to the single-elimination stage of the tournament.
Dončić had another spectacular performance, scoring 43 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists. Reaves continued to thrive as the secondary playmaker, scoring 31 points while shooting 11-16 from the field.
The Lakers are tied with the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the Western Conference at 13-4. Perhaps the most exciting news for the Lakers is that LeBron James has finally returned after dealing with sciatica to start the season. James scored an efficient 25 points in the win over the Clippers, as he only took 15 shots.
READ MORE: LeBron James Playfully Dodges Question About How To Stop Lakers’ Big 3
Dončić has put himself at the top of the race, and he continues to search for that elusive Most Valuable Player Award. He’s averaging 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game.
While Dončić will undoubtedly be on Team World in the NBA All-Star Game this upcoming February, he could very well play against the other half of the Lakers guard combo.
Reaves has certainly put himself in an early position to be on Team USA, as he’s averaging 27.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. A noticeable area of improvement for Reaves so far is his trips to the free-throw line. Reaves is averaging 9.4 free-throw attempts per game this season, which would easily be his career high over a full season.
Dončić knows Reaves is on the verge of a special season, which is a testament to their emerging bond and chemistry.