Luka Doncic is bringing the Lakers together early, and Austin Reaves is already turning one part of the trip into a challenge.
Before Los Angeles even reaches Media Day at the end of next month, Doncic is organizing a four-day minicamp in Slovenia that begins on Aug. 20.
The plan goes beyond just getting shots up. The Lakers will work on the court, take in some sightseeing and hit the golf course too.
That last part has Reaves fired up.
While overseas on a tour for his signature shoe brand, Rigorer, Reaves was asked about the Slovenia trip and the golf that comes with it. He didn’t bother hiding his intentions, saying he is ready to beat Doncic on the course, via Lakers Muse's X account.
The first thing Austin Reaves said when asked about Luka’s team training camp in Slovenia 😂“Imma feel great, I’m going to kick his ass in golf.” (H/t @marilikessports) pic.twitter.com/UWLGaWGOFJ
Reaves has real golf chops and plays in tournaments regularly, putting him in the same broad lane as Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, another NBA player known for taking his golf seriously.
But the minicamp is about more than bragging rights on the links. Reaves also said he is eager to spend time with the group and get to know the newer faces on the roster, including Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
That matters for a Lakers team that has undergone a major makeover this summer. One of the big purposes of the four-day run in Slovenia is to start building chemistry before the 2026-27 NBA season. Getting everyone on the floor together now should at least give the group a first look at how things might function once the games count.
Sometimes that kind of connection clicks fast. Other times, it takes longer to sort out roles and get everyone moving in the same direction, especially with limited time before training camp and the preseason.
For Doncic and the Lakers, the hope is that this trip gives that process a jump-start. And if Reaves gets his way, it might also come with a golf win or two.
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