Luka Dončić’s offseason chemistry with Austin Reaves seems to have begun on a solid note. The duo, who will form the Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt, seems to have built their relationship on banter.
Earlier, the NBA world had a glimpse of Reaves’ hilarious-but-solid relationship with teammate LeBron James, as shown on Netflix’s “Starting 5,” where the latter was seen casually calling the Arkansas star a “creep” with a cheeky smile.
Luka Dončić’ Roasts Austin Reaves on Social Media
Responding to the Lakers’ Instagram post featuring Austin Reaves’ offseason workouts, Dončić tagged the guard with a crisp comment on his hairdo. “@austinreaves12 get a haircut please,” the mercurial playmaker wrote.
While Reaves had no response to his teammate’s ribbing at the time of writing, payback should be expected when the All-Star guard gets his haircut over the course of the season.
When Austin Reaves Decided to Bring Out the Headband
One of the major highlights from Reaves’ past season was his decision to wear a headband. The versatile guard later explained his decision behind the move.
“I just remember when everybody got back, everybody was kind of just in a fog,” Reaves told ESPN. “So I randomly was like, ‘F**k it, I’m going to put a headband on and see if I can make somebody smile.’” Reaves continued: “They all just looked at me like I was crazy and just started laughing. I was like, ‘Well, I accomplished my goal.’”
It was a productive 2024-25 season for Reaves, as he emerged as a bankable third star for the Lakers, alongside James and Anthony Davis. He continued to be a reliable star after the shock trade that sent Davis to Dallas and netted Dončić in return.
He ended with 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from deep. It was a breakout season for Reaves as he propped up career-best numbers across all four categories.
His contract with the Lakers will be in focus as Austin Reaves is set to earn a hefty paycheck. Rumors suggest that he could command anywhere between $30-$35 million after declining his player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
For now, much depends on how he fares alongside Dončić and James in the trio’s first full season together. With head coach JJ Redick looking at formulating a plan that has three ball-handlers in the mix, it remains to be seen if the Lakers can get off a strong start.