The biggest storyline for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season was the blockbuster midseason trade that brought Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. This move paired Doncic with LeBron James, creating a formidable duo to strengthen the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
Following the trade, the Lakers experienced a surge in performance, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, with a 50-32 record. Doncic’s integration into the team transformed the Lakers into a hopeful championship contender, but their run ended in the first round.
While much focus was placed on the Doncic-James duo, these two stars had a high-level third option in Austin Reaves.
Reaves averaged a career-high 20.2 points this past season, and has been a topic of discussion since LA was eliminated. While trade rumors have surrounding the rising star, especially as the Lakers seek an upgrade at center, Dan Woike of the LA Times reported last month that Reaves is not expected to be moved unless the Lakers get an “impossibly good offer” for him.
Just two weeks after this report, Doncic appearance on James’ and Steve Nash’s Mind the Game podcast. Among other things, Doncic specifically brought up Reaves, being sure to include him in a discussion about the growing chemistry between LA’s best players.
“I’ve never played with a guy like this,” Doncic said of James before bringing up Reaves. “Just being traded to LA; it was different… [Us] two out there and [Austin Reaves], who’s been playing unbelievable. I still think it’s a work in progress.”
This message from Doncic adds more merit to the report from Woike that Reaves is not expected to be moved this offseason. Doncic highlighting Reaves as part of a “work in progress” trio that includes he and James certainly feels notable.
Statistically, Doncic maintained impressive numbers in LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game since joining the Lakers. While there have also been rumors about James’ and Doncic’s future with the Lakers, LA’s front office has maintained its commitment to building a roster that complements the duo.
