Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić are quickly becoming one of the most entertaining duos in the NBA-and Lakers fans are loving every second of it. The chemistry between the two guards has been a bright spot for a Los Angeles team navigating the early part of the season with high expectations and a few injury absences, including LeBron James.
That chemistry was on full display during the Lakers’ 133-121 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 30. Late in the game, Reaves stepped to the free-throw line with a chance to match Dončić’s 34-point total. Instead, he missed-intentionally, according to his postgame comments-and finished with 33.
Why? In classic Reaves fashion, it was all in good fun.
“You know, I gotta keep Luka’s confidence high,” Reaves joked. “I don’t need to outscore him two nights in a row.”
It was a lighthearted moment that quickly went viral, and Dončić played along, smiling in his postgame response: “I appreciate him. I’m gonna go talk to him now and say thank you.”
The exchange was funny, sure-but it also underscored something deeper. These two are building something real in L.A.
Just two nights earlier, Reaves had dropped 38 points against the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić’s former team. That was Luka’s first matchup against the Mavs at home since his blockbuster trade to the Lakers this past offseason. The fact that Reaves led the scoring that night, and then dialed it back-jokingly or not-the next game shows a level of camaraderie and trust that’s rare this early in a partnership.
Against the Pelicans, Dončić and Reaves combined for 67 points, and it wasn’t just about the scoring. The flow of the offense, the way they read each other on the floor, and the joy they’re bringing to the game-it’s all starting to click. And that’s huge for a Lakers team trying to find rhythm while navigating injuries and a crowded Western Conference race.
Their connection is also helping integrate new big man Deandre Ayton, who’s quietly becoming a key contributor in the Lakers’ frontcourt. With Dončić and Reaves drawing attention on the perimeter and in transition, Ayton’s been able to find cleaner looks and more space to operate-something that’s already making him one of the more intriguing player props heading into the next slate of games.
But beyond the stats and the highlights, what stands out is how natural this partnership feels. Reaves and Dončić are playing with joy, confidence, and a sense of freedom that’s contagious. They’re not just putting up numbers-they’re building a foundation.
For a team like the Lakers, where expectations are always sky-high and the pressure never really lets up, moments like these matter. The league may be deep, and the West is as competitive as ever, but if this duo keeps gelling like this, the Lakers might have found something special to build around.
And if it means a few missed free throws to keep the vibes right? Lakers fans will take that trade every time.