The Los Angeles Lakers have come out of the gates looking like a team on a mission. With nearly 20 games in the books, they’re not just holding their own in the always-competitive Western Conference-they’re making a legitimate case as one of the best teams in the entire league.
And while a lot of things are breaking right for them, this early-season surge isn’t just about hot shooting or a soft schedule. There’s real substance behind this start.
Let’s start with the offseason moves. The Lakers’ front office nailed their free agency signings.
Deandre Ayton, in particular, looks like a man reborn. He’s averaging 15.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 70.7% from the field-that’s second-best in the league.
It’s not just the numbers, either. Ayton’s playing with a confidence and physicality that’s been missing in recent years, and he’s anchoring the paint on both ends in a way that’s given this team a new dimension.
Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia have also stepped in and played their roles to perfection. Smart brings the kind of defensive intensity and veteran savvy that championship teams are built on, while LaRavia has been a versatile glue guy-doing the little things, hitting timely shots, and showing he belongs in the rotation.
But the X-factor might just be on the sidelines. JJ Redick has stepped into the head coaching role and made an immediate impact.
Despite dealing with injuries and some streaky shooting from a roster full of guys who can fill it up, Redick has kept the team steady. His rotations have been sharp, his in-game adjustments have been timely, and the players clearly believe in what he’s building.
Still, as good as the supporting cast and coaching have been, the Lakers’ success starts and ends with their star duo: Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Yes, that’s right-Austin Reaves.
Dončić has been playing at an MVP level, which is pretty much what we’ve come to expect from him at this point. He’s putting up 35.1 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.5 rebounds per game-numbers that are as jaw-dropping as they are consistent. He’s second in the league in both scoring and assists, and he’s doing it with his usual blend of craft, vision, and unshakable poise.
But it’s Reaves who’s turning heads in a way few saw coming. The third-year guard is averaging 28.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game-production that has vaulted him into the national spotlight and, incredibly, into the MVP conversation. According to Basketball Reference’s MVP Award Tracker, both Dončić and Reaves currently sit inside the top five.
That’s not a typo. Two Lakers guards-Dončić at No. 3 and Reaves at No. 4-are right in the thick of the MVP race.
Here’s what the tracker looks like right now:
- Nikola Jokić
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luka Dončić
- Austin Reaves
- Cade Cunningham
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Alperen Şengün
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Jalen Duren
- Tyrese Maxey
Now, let’s be real-Reaves probably isn’t going to win the MVP. But the fact that he’s even in this conversation speaks volumes about how far his game has come.
He’s not just a feel-good story or a fan favorite anymore. He’s a legitimate star, playing with confidence, control, and a level of polish that’s elevated the Lakers’ offense to another level.
Together, Dončić and Reaves have formed one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. They complement each other perfectly-Dončić with his methodical brilliance and Reaves with his relentless energy and shot-making. They’re not just piling up stats; they’re winning games and doing it with chemistry that jumps off the screen.
And yes, they’re having fun doing it. The connection between the two has been one of the more entertaining subplots of the season so far. Whether it’s their on-court synergy or their lighthearted off-court moments, this duo is giving Lakers fans plenty to cheer about-and plenty to dream about.
If the Lakers keep this up, All-Star nods are almost a given. All-NBA selections?
Very possible. MVP buzz?
It’s already here.
The Lakers have the look of a team that’s found its rhythm early. And with Dončić and Reaves leading the charge, they’re not just winning-they’re building something special.