Lakers Austin Reaves gives insight into Luka Doncic friendship

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are no longer simply two talented guards sharing the Lakers’ backcourt.They have become the center of the franchise’s next chapter and close personal friends, as well.With LeBron James moving on, Los Angeles has committed its future to Doncic and Reaves, who signed a four-year extension worth roughly $185 million earlier this summer.

The deal confirmed what had become increasingly clear last season: Reaves is no longer an unexpected success story.He is one of the Lakers’ foundational players.And his relationship with Doncic should only help the the next era coalesce.“He’s one of my best friends on this planet,” Reaves said.

“I talk to him almost every single day.”Their conversations are not limited to basketball.Doncic regularly asks for golf advice, leaning on one of the NBA’s more accomplished golfers for help.“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.”This glimpse into a friendship that has developed quickly since Doncic arrived from Dallas less than a year and a half ago.It also reflects the comfort the Lakers will need to translate onto the court as the pair assumes greater responsibility without James.Reaves said on a recent episode of the Dan Patrick show that he, Doncic, coach JJ Redick and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka have remained in close contact while the organization reshapes the roster.

He believes they share a similar competitive outlook and are trying to build something capable of lasting beyond a single season.That vision begins with how naturally the two guards complement each other, on and off the court.Doncic controls games through strength, patience and elite playmaking, while Reaves can score with or without the ball, attack closeouts and create as a secondary facilitator.Reaves has said Doncic’s ability to manipulate pace and generate advantages is almost impos...