Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have become close friends and the new faces of the Los Angeles Lakers, but their relationship wasn’t always as strong as it is today.
With LeBron James no longer in Los Angeles, the Lakers are building around their star backcourt, whose chemistry has developed both on and off the court.
However, Reaves recently revealed that the two barely communicated during Doncic’s first few months with the organization following his blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks.
“He was kind of sheltered,” Reaves said in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Despite immediately developing chemistry on the court, Reaves explained that Doncic initially kept to himself as he adjusted to the unexpected move.
“For basically most of the rest of that year, we didn’t really speak to each other that much,” Reaves said. “I know he was going through stuff as far as the trade and being disappointed. I was never going to be the type of guy to force a friendship, so I let that build naturally.”
Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles came under extraordinary circumstances after the Mavericks unexpectedly traded their franchise superstar despite previously building a championship-contending roster around him.
The decision, made under former Dallas general manager Nico Harrison, shocked the NBA and left Doncic dealing with the disappointment of leaving the franchise where he had spent the early years of his career.
Reaves recognized the situation and chose to give his new teammate space rather than immediately attempt to establish a close relationship.
That patience eventually paid off, with the two developing a strong friendship as Doncic became increasingly comfortable in Los Angeles.
Their relationship has since become an important part of the Lakers’ new era, particularly following James’ departure and the organization’s decision to build its future around Doncic.
Reaves, meanwhile, has developed from an undrafted guard into one of the Lakers’ most important players, earning a four-year, $184 million contract during the offseason.
Now, with their friendship continuing to grow and both players taking on greater responsibilities, the Lakers will be hoping their connection translates into success as they pursue another NBA championship.
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