The Dallas Mavericks made the NBA Finals with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the team through a heated Western Conference Playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers are positioning themselves for their own version of that story repeating itself with Austin Reaves playing the part of Kyrie.
Doncic and Irving had a well-documented friendship that was easily visible to anyone who would tune in to Mavericks games. In the early parts of the Lakers' 2025-26 campaign, it should be clear as day to anyone watching that Luka and Austin are quickly forming their own admirable bond.
The two Lakers stars have been trading jabs in the media, joking around, and spreading the positivity to everyone around them. That continued to be the case after Los Angeles secured their fifth win of the season in a strong 130-120 win over the Miami Heat.
Reaves joked with reporters, "He's an idiot. I don't know what he did yesterday, but he was in a really good mood today, joking around, having a good time. ... I think he's just getting comfortable, having a good time. He acts like a kid, he needs to grow up at some point."
Budding Luka-Reaves bond is turning heads — and terrifying competitors
Reaves mentioned in his comments that the unexpected change for Doncic, going from Dallas to Los Angeles, probably left him in a 'state of shock' to begin his time with the Lakers. The full adjustment for Luka is becoming easy for everyone to spot.
Austin on Luka:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) November 3, 2025
"He acts like a kid. He needs to grow up at some point" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/3RNIap1a7y
Doncic has been incredible to start the new season. Through four games, the Lakers superstar is averaging 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 54.5 percent from the field, in 38.3 minutes per game.
Naturally, that kind of production is not sustainable. Although, Reaves certainly hinted that it just might be a few days ago.
Luka Doncic on if he can average 40 points per game this season:
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 1, 2025
“That’s going to be tough …”
I followed up by saying that Austin Reaves told me he thinks he could.
Luka, with a big smile: “Austin’s stupid.” pic.twitter.com/jnLjKfe4CE
The part of this early start that is built to last is just how well Doncic and Reaves mesh together. The question marks about their fit that plagued the pair last season and throughout the summer have quickly become a thing of the past.
Reaves is already resembling past guards like Irving, and even Jalen Brunson, that Doncic has enjoyed playing with. Does that mean the Lakers are ready to contend? That is debatable. The supporting cast could still benefit from an upgrade or two.
However, if there was any doubt about paying Reaves in the 2026 free agency period, it should be gone.
LeBron James has yet to suit up for the Lakers this season due to his sciatica injury. Los Angeles is still winning in spite of that. The success of Doncic and Reaves has been a huge driving force, offering a reassuring preview of just how promising life after James could will still be once the all-time great calls it a career or departs otherwise.