The bond between Los Angeles Lakers stars Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic appears to be as strong as ever heading into the group’s first year without LeBron James.
The Lakers signed Reaves to a four-year, $180 million deal last month, marking the largest contract for an undrafted player in NBA history. With James no longer part of the team’s plans, the move was a vote of confidence for a backcourt centered around Reaves and Doncic.
Reaves was in Las Vegas on Monday in support of the Lakers’ NBA Summer League squad. He spoke candidly to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about his relationship with Doncic.
“He’s one of my best friends on this planet,” Reaves said of his Slovenian superstar teammate.
“I talk to him almost every single day. He sends me videos of his golf swing & asks what he can do to get better, and I tell him I’m not a coach.”
Reaves is considered one of the best golfers in the NBA, so it makes sense that Doncic is badgering him for tips on his golf swing. Reaves also credited the coaching staff and decision-makers within the Lakers organization for helping the two star guards “see eye-to-eye on a lot of things.”
Austin used more than just his words to express his gratitude toward the Lakers’ brass. He reportedly took a pay cut to help the team’s financial flexibility going into next season.
The Lakers went 30-11 last season during games in which both Doncic and Reaves were on the floor. But the two stars were hampered by injuries to close out the season, with Doncic missing all 10 of Los Angeles’ postseason contests.
