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  Luka Doncic Shockingly Gives Compliment To Austin Reaves
Oct 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Oct 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a strong start this season due in large part to the play of the best offensive backcourt duo in the league in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But arguably more fun than watching them dominate on the court has been their interactions off it.

Doncic and Reaves have built a hilarious friendship built primarily on trash talking each other at every possible opportunity. Much of it comes from Doncic, who refuses to actually call Reaves his friend, but following the Lakers’ win over the Dallas Mavericks, the superstar actually gave his backcourt partner a compliment.

Reaves led the Lakers with 38 points in the victory while Doncic finished with 35 points and 11 assists. After the victorym Luka called his backcourt mate one of the best players in the NBA.

“I think he’s probably one of the best basketball players in this league,” Doncic said. “Just the way he scores, he makes a place for others through the game. It’s very good. I’m just happy he’s on my team. That’s probably the last compliment I’ll ever give him.”

Of course Doncic had to end it by making it clear Reaves wouldn’t be receiving any more compliments, but at least he got this one. And Luka apparently wasn’t kidding as when asked about Reaves getting a dunk in this contest, he made sure to point out that he actually has more this season, and the better ones.

“He has the same dunks,” Doncic added. “I mean, he’s got two. I’ve got two. And mine was an and one. Actually, three.”

Seeing the camaraderie and chemistry between Doncic and Reaves grow has been a pleasure to watch for all Lakers fans. It has given everyone a glimpse into Luka’s personality and allowed Reaves to get a little more out of his shell as well.

Most importantly the two are pushing each other to greatness on the court which has the Lakers among the top teams in the league to start this season.

Austin Reaves says it’s fun playing on Lakers with Luka Doncic & LeBron James

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have established an excellent partnership on the court and with LeBron James recently returning from injury, the trio are working on building their chemistry together as well. So far the results have been promising and Reaves has called it fun playing with both as they are all unselfish and play the right way.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Lakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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