From Reluctant Teammates to NBA's Top Duo: Doncic and Reaves Forge Unlikely Bond

When Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, Austin Reaves initially struggled to connect with his new Slovenian teammate. Reaves admitted he wasn't sure what to expect and that there were times they walked past each other in the locker room without speaking.

"I wasn’t joking," Reaves told the California Post in an exclusive interview. "There were times when the trade first happened where we would walk by each other in the locker room and not say anything to each other because I didn’t know what to say to him. That was the first reaction: ‘What is this guy going to be like?"'

Now, a little over a year and a half later, the dynamic has transformed. Doncic and Reaves often spend afternoons together on the golf course, engage in playful banter during interviews, and have developed a strong bond that has translated onto the court, making them the NBA's most formidable offensive duo.

Doncic currently leads the league in scoring with 36 points per game, while Reaves ranks 16th with 24.4 points per game. Together, they average 60.4 combined points, a significant margin ahead of the second-highest scoring duo. Their scoring average surpasses even the legendary Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal pairing during their championship years.

Doncic himself was initially blindsided by the trade. Coming off a season where he led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals and finished third in MVP voting, the star felt betrayed by a team he envisioned spending his entire career with. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, his mind was racing.

"For me, it’s hard to speak when I come to a new team, new people," Doncic said. "It’s kind of hard for me to speak. I had some people I knew from before, so I kind of hung out with them. But after that, in [next season’s] training camp, [Austin and I] got really close. That’s when it probably started."

As their relationship deepened, their playful interactions became evident. Doncic joked about Reaves wanting to be his friend, while Reaves pointed out his own dunking prowess. Their lighthearted exchanges, with terms like "hater" and "A-hole" used affectionately, signaled a significant shift.

Doncic used the summer following the trade to process the move. His initial hurt evolved into determination, recognizing the opportunity to be the face of the globally recognized Lakers franchise. As he embraced his new role, his personality began to shine through, allowing Reaves to see his true character.

"Once we came back for the next year, right off the bat we had similar interests," Reaves explained. "We kind of act the same, which is kind of sad to say for me. But we both love joking around, having a good time."

Both players share a similar sense of humor, an understated demeanor, and a preference for spending time with loved ones over the Los Angeles social scene. Golf serves as a shared activity for relaxation.

Their burgeoning chemistry quickly impacted their on-court performance. When LeBron James was sidelined early last season, Doncic and Reaves propelled the Lakers to a 15-4 start. Later in the season, when James faced multiple ailments, the duo led the team to crucial victories, spearheading a 15-2 run.

"Having him come out of his shell and just be himself is the best thing that can happen, not just for the organization, but for him, for us, for everybody," Reaves said.

Last season presented challenges for both players. Doncic navigated a custody dispute, while Reaves considered his future as a free agent. In a difficult turn of events, both stars suffered injuries in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, which impacted the Lakers' playoff aspirations. Doncic sustained a strained hamstring, and Reaves suffered a strained oblique.

Despite these personal and professional hurdles, they provided mutual support. "It’s very interesting how life works, and there’s certain things that happen in people’s life where you kind of create a bond over things," Reaves reflected. "We’re all around each other 95 percent of the time throughout the year... And you just want to be there for him. And there were a couple of things on both sides where we were both going through things and having each other’s company was the best thing that could’ve happened."

Doncic's priorities in the offseason included securing Reaves as his teammate. Following LeBron James' departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers focused on keeping their star happy. In July, they signed Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract, the most lucrative deal for an undrafted player in NBA history.

Reaves expressed his appreciation for Doncic, stating, "Luka... he’s one of my best friends on this planet. Talk to him almost every single day."

What began as an uncertain introduction has evolved into a deep friendship and a highly effective on-court partnership. Doncic, who once felt devastated by his trade, now expresses a desire to retire with the Lakers, with Reaves by his side.

"Hopefully, yeah," Doncic said when asked about retiring as a Laker.

The unlikely bromance between Doncic and Reaves has not only brought them closer but has also solidified them as the NBA's most potent offensive duo, a pairing that seemed improbable just a year and a half ago.