rewrite this title Austin Reaves Reveals the Turning Point in His Relationship With Luka Doncic

One of the biggest talking points of the LA Lakers’ season is the budding friendship between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. They appear to be closer compared to when Doncic arrived at the Lakers last season after one of the most shocking trades in NBA history.

Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in a special Christmas conversation, Reaves was asked when he became close with Doncic. The 27-year-old guard thought it was during the summer when “Luka Magic” commented on his Instagram post about signing his extension.

Reaves was in China to promote his signature shoe with Rigorer, while Doncic celebrated his extension by watching the Backstreet Boys in Las Vegas.

“I think it was when he signed an extension and then they went to Vegas for Backstreet Boys,” Reaves said. “I was invited, but I was in China at the time. I had posted his extension, he commented, ‘Thanks for coming to Vegas.’ The joke and spirit that he had, I can tell at that moment we would have a good relationship.”

Austin Reaves has taken his game to the next level this season, averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists. He’s also shooting 50.4% from the field, including 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 87.3% from the free-throw line.

Reaves has turned into the legitimate second option on offense for the LA Lakers, behind Luka Doncic and ahead of LeBron James. However, the Lakers are going to need to convince Reaves to stay after this season since he can opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

Doncic has shown that he needs a scoring guard to thrive and be successful. He had Jalen Brunson at the start of his career in Dallas, and they went to the Western Conference Finals in 2022. He then had Kyrie Irving in 2023, and they went to the NBA Finals in 2024.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ status for Christmas Day game

The LA Lakers are set to host the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day. The Lakers have been hampered by injuries, though Deandre Ayton returned to the court on Tuesday in their loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Luka Doncic missed that game due to a lower left leg contusion, but he’s now listed as questionable against the Rockets. Austin Reaves isn’t on the injury report, so he’s expected to play in his second straight game since recovering from a calf injury.

Reaves came off the bench against the Suns, so it could happen again. Rui Hachimura is listed as probable, so he’ll likely get cleared before tipoff.

Edited by Juan Paolo David