Austin Reaves had the perfect reason to miss Luka Doncic festivities

The Los Angeles Lakers were toasting Luka Doncic’s massive new deal in Las Vegas. Austin Reaves was absent for good reason. He was halfway across the world, signing autographs, meeting fans, and promoting his Rigorer signature sneaker on a major tour through Asia.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported, “Austin Reaves is — currently away in Asia on a promotional sneaker tour for his Rigorer signature shoe.”

In short: Reaves had work to do, the kind of work that shows just how far he has come.

Austin Reaves absence from Luka Doncic announcement is excusable

The Lakers are one of the most visible franchises in sports, and Reaves is now one of their most marketable young names. From an undrafted rookie, to a core starter, to now a face on a sneaker billboard in Asia, Reaves’ rise is undeniable.

Meanwhile, back in Vegas, the team was celebrating the future. Doncic’s three-year, $165 million extension marked a new chapter. And while Reaves was busy with his own, it did not mean others did not show up.

According to Stein, “Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart — both of whom were among the teammates who attended Saturday's gathering to trumpet the new deal. Maxi Kleber … also flew in all the way from Germany.”

Reaves not being there is totally understandable. His absence was not a snub or because of the trade rumors, and it should not be viewed that way. It should be viewed as a reminder of his rising star power.

Few understand that better than Doncic himself. Long before he was headlining Vegas events as the Lakers’ new face, Luka was juggling global expectations of his own.

From Real Madrid, to the NBA, to Olympic runs with Slovenia, Doncic has lived the life of an international star since his early teens. He knows what it takes to build a brand that extends beyond the court. Reaves is building something similar.

The fact that he is the face of a shoe line at just 27, while also improving year after year, speaks volumes. Last season, he posted career highs in scoring (20.2 PPG) and assists (5.8 APG), all while serving as a steadying force in the Lakers' lineup.

He is not a role player anymore. It is clear that he is much more than that.

So, at the end of the day, Doncic and Reaves might have been in different countries this past weekend, but their goals aren’t far apart: elevate their games, lead this team, and make a global impact. Whether in Vegas or Asia, the Lakers' future was being celebrated, just in more than one way.