Austin Reaves weighs in on Lakers’ championship hopes in Luka Doncic’s first season with the team

The Los Angeles Lakers turned things around and ended their losing streak. They secured a spot in the NBA playoffs. Head coach JJ Redick played a major role in that. He brought balance to the roster while keeping the offense strong. Also, he integrated Luka Doncic into the team with confidence and clarity. With the team on a positive run,Austin Reaves opens up on their chances to win the Championship on Luka’s first season in Los Angeles.

“High, very high…We believe in what we got here. With the way we went and performed the first game against the best team in the NBA, just shows what we can do… with the talent we have, we have two guys in Bron and Luka that can dominate the game in so many ways. If I were a coach, it would be very tough to prepare for those two and then the supporting cast that we have. We got guys that do the dirty work, and shoot the ball extremely well. We got a good overall team,” affirmed Reaves on Spectrum SportsNet.

Luka Doncic has quickly adapted to the Los Angeles Lakers. In four of the last five games, he scored 30 or more points. This run highlights his offensive power and consistency. He also improved his physical condition. Thanks to that, he contributes on both ends of the court. He defends with more intensity and creates plays with greater vision. Considering his performance, Austin Reaves believes the Lakers have what it takes to win the NBA championship this year.

According to Reaves, Lakers’ well-rounded roster is the main reason of their momentum. However, it is their ability to adapt and their versatility that helped them find the ideal balance. They also had to make sacrifices along the way. One of the players who evolved the most was Austin Reaves. The arrival of Luka Doncic pushed him to grow into a more complete player. As a result, he earned a key role in JJ Redick’s system.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

What’s next for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 2025 NBA playoff push?

The Los Angeles Lakers decided to rest their main roster for the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. They took this approach to prioritize recovery time for their star players ahead of the playoffs. Besides, Lakers already know their opponent in the first round: the Minnesota Timberwolves. This will not be an easy matchup, especially considering they have lost three of their last five games against them.

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick weighs in on LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves offensive trio

The Lakers’ recent form gives them a clear edge heading into the postseason. Their players are more experienced, which plays in their favor. They have been through these high-pressure games before, and that knowledge matters.

In addition, their chemistry has improved in recent weeks, especially on defense. With LeBron James healthy and Luka Doncic in top form, Los Angeles stands as a serious threat to any opponent.