Lakers Star Luka Doncic Responds to Criticism from Austin Reaves

After the game, he was asked to respond to a piece of constructive criticism shared by Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who addressed Doncic's shot selection in practice recently.

"When you're that talented, you can do any pass, any read, any shot," Reaves said after his teammate's effortless return to the court. "He shot this shot in practice the other day that was crazy. I told him it’s a blessing but every now and then it’s a curse to think you can make every shot."

In his postgame press conference, Doncic was asked about Reaves' warning during practice. He responded with a thoughtful reflection on the ongoing development of the Lakers' shot selection on offense.

"At some point there’s going to be heat checks for me," Doncic admitted. "I’m trying to balance that rhythm between getting a better shot or just some crazy shot. Obviously I need to work on that. Sometimes those are too much, but (I’m) getting there."

With James set to miss the start of the regular season due to sciatica, Reaves stepped up as a second option for head coach JJ Redick in the preseason game against the Suns. He matched Doncic's 25 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Reaves is entering the third year of his four-year, $53.8 million contract after reportedly turning down an $89 million extension in June.

The Lakers have two preseason games remaining, including a tilt with Doncic's former team , the Mavericks, on Wednesday night. They tip off the regular season next Tuesday at home against the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.