How Lakers teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic became good friends

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Los Angeles Lakers have the pieces in place to remain contenders for years

The Los Angeles Lakers have the potential to contend for the NBA Championship for years.

With LeBron James soon turning 41 years old, there’s a chance that he either retires or leaves the Los Angeles Lakers next summer.

However, on a positive note, the Lakers already have their next cornerstone superstar in Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic hasn’t made fans forget about LeBron James just yet. But at just 26 years old and entering his prime years, there’s no doubt that Luka is one of the best players in the league.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ friendship began after one special invite

Even away from the game, the duo often shares a laugh, regularly ribbing each other during interviews and even having friendly competitions.

Their connection is obvious now, but how did it all begin? Reaves shared the story with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“I think it was when he signed an extension and then they went to Vegas for Backstreet Boys. I was invited, but I was in China at the time. I had posted his extension, he commented, ‘Thanks for coming to Vegas,’” Reaves explained.

He continued: “The joke and spirit that he had, I can tell at that moment we would have a good relationship.”

From that moment on, their bond has only grown stronger – something Lakers fans hope continues well into the future.

How Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are driving the Lakers forward

After a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers have fallen to a 19-9 record in the Western Conference.

A significant factor in this downturn has been the absence of Doncic and Reaves, who have both missed time due to injuries. The pair are averaging a combined 61.4 points per game this season.

When healthy, their impact is clear. In the 16 games they’ve played together so far, the Lakers have posted an impressive 12-4 record.

Reaves recently returned under a minutes restriction against Phoenix, while Doncic is expected back for their Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets.