The Los Angeles Lakers have started the 2025-26 NBA season with a strong record of 15 wins and 4 losses, exceeding expectations for the team’s early performance. This successful start has been largely attributed to the efforts of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have stepped up in the absence of LeBron James due to injury.
Austin Reaves has elevated his game this season, averaging 28.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 52 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range. In a recent victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, both Doncic and Reaves reached a significant milestone by each scoring over 30 points in three consecutive games.
According to an announcement from the NBA on December 1, “Tonight, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves became the 4th duo in 50 years to each record 30+ PTS in 3 straight games! They join: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Bucks, 2023), Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette (Warriors, 2010), George Gervin and Mike Mitchell (Spurs, 1984).”
Doncic commented on their partnership after their latest win: “I think we’re just good basketball players. I don’t know what made us special, but I think we’re just good basketball players.”
The Lakers’ offensive efficiency has improved as defenses focus on Doncic and Reaves, creating more opportunities for other players on the team.
Center Deandre Ayton also discussed his growing chemistry with Reaves in pick-and-roll situations: “I’m in these pick-and-rolls with him, and the fire tends to go from orange to blue,” Ayton said after the game. “I was telling him, ‘I’m starting to know when you want me over there to set the screens.’ I can see the red fire, and the red fire means I’m gonna play normal. And then the blue fire. You know blue is hotter than the red so, you tell me. You see the blue fire, don’t go near him, let him do his thing and that’s what he did.”
While it remains uncertain whether Los Angeles will maintain its current pace throughout the season or if Doncic and Reaves will continue setting records together, they are currently among the league’s top-scoring duos.
