Austin Reaves Talks Relationship With ‘Best Friend' Luka Doncic

While the Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the first season of the post-LeBron James era, the franchise still has a strong core featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Before last season, Doncic agreed to a three-year, $165 million max contract extension to stay put in Los Angeles. Reaves landed a max deal of his own earlier this offseason, signing a four-year, $185 million deal with the Lakers.

Doncic and Reaves can continue to build their relationship - both on and off the court.

During an interview with ESPN Lakers insider Dave McMenamin on Monday, Reaves was asked about his relationship with Doncic.

"He's one of my best friends on this planet. I talk to him almost every single day. He sends me videos of his golf swing and asks me what he can do to get better and I tell him I'm not a coach,” Reaves said.

More basketball:Austin Reaves Opens up About LeBron James Leaving Los Angeles

Reaves and Doncic both suffered injuries in the Lakers’ April 2 loss of the Oklahoma City Thunder this past season - causing both of them to miss the start of the playoffs. Reaves was able to return to action from his Grade 2 oblique strain, but Doncic’s Grade 2 hamstring strain kept him off the court through the Lakers’ second-round series loss to the Thunder.

More basketball:Tracy McGrady Makes Surprising Claim About Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown

Now, Doncic and Reaves are gearing up to begin the 2026-27 NBA season as a healthy and dynamic backcourt duo.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:51 AM.