While we didn’t get to see it on the biggest stage in the postseason, one of the biggest positives to come out of the season for the Lakers was the Austin Reaves-Luka Dončić partnership.
On the court, the two blossomed into one of the league’s best backcourts with Austin ascending to All-Star level and Luka reclaiming his All-NBA form. Off the court, the pair became best friends.
The team rode that partnership to one of the best records in the Western Conference prior to their simultaneous untimely
injuries late in the regular season. For Luka, though, it was enough of a proof of concept to want to see more.
On Tuesday morning, Dan Woike of The Athletic wrote of not just Luka’s desire to continue playing with Austin, but that he’s made sure the Lakers know about it as well.
Dončić has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves, according to league sources. Beyond their close friendship, Dončić believes in Reaves as a long-term piece next to him. Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Dončić told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dončić, those sources say, would strongly prefer a team construction that includes him and Reaves alongside whatever star the Lakers could acquire.
The easy reaction to this is that it’s a sign of how strong their friendship is. However, there’s also basketball reasons this makes sense, too.
The best versions of Luka teams in the past have featured a dynamic guard alongside him, whether that was Jalen Brunson or Kyrie Irving. Reaves absolutely fits that mold and the Lakers showed during the month of March how good they can be with that pair on the floor together.
The good news is that there doesn’t seem to be much resistance from the Lakers or Austin about him remaining in Los Angeles. Both sides have spoken about being open to a new deal this summer after Austin predictably turned down an extension last summer.
The Lakers have made a habit of including Luka in roster construction discussions and have followed his advice as well. Taking all that into account, it would be really shocking if Austin was not in purple and gold next season.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
