Luka Doncic described by Lakers teammate Austin Reaves in bold assessment

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to be serious contenders in the Western Conference next season. Luka Doncic will be entering his first full campaign with the team following his arrival earlier this year, and he’s expected to be one of the biggest draws in the NBA. Austin Reaves recently shared his thoughts about him.

In a video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by LakersSpin, Reaves discussed his expectations for what the Lakers can achieve in the near future with the current pieces on their roster—and he expressed particular optimism about Doncic’s impact.

“I think the sky’s the limit for us. We’re moving in the right direction. Obviously, adding Luka, it gives you a Hall of Fame player at such a young age that you can build around,” said Austin, making it clear just how highly he regards the Slovenian guard. His admiration for his teammate went so far as to predict that Doncic will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame—likely still more than a decade away.

Continuing his analysis of the team’s strengths, Reaves also emphasized the importance of LeBron James. “And then obviously, still having Bron, the IQ, and still running around at forty years old,” said the 27-year-old guard, who had his best NBA season to date.

Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025.

What’s next for Reaves?

Austin Reaves’ role with the Lakers became significantly more prominent this past season than in any of his previous three. He started a career-high 73 games during the regular season and also posted new personal bests in minutes per game (34.9), points (20.2), rebounds (4.5), assists (5.8), and steals (1.1).

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Those numbers not only cemented him as a key piece of the Lakers’ rotation, but also made him an attractive asset for other teams. Yet despite being a valuable potential trade chip, the guard made his feelings about his future clear.

“I want to be in LA. I want to play my whole career in LA. I love it there,” said Reaves. “I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously the Lakers is the best organization in basketball.” Regarding trade speculation, he added: “I don’t pay attention to it. I keep my head down, work, and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at.”

Should the Lakers move on from Reaves?

Amid the ongoing trade rumors, former Clippers player Marcus Morris weighed in on what the Lakers should do with Reaves. “Any team with Luka and LeBron on it has a chance. I think that some things that they need to do — If I was a GM, I would move — this might be unpopular, but I would move Austin Reaves,” he said.

Backing up his opinion, he added: “The thing that I figured out in the playoffs is that him and Luka on the court together defensively is not great for them. Like unless we’re moving Austin Reaves to the bench, that starting unit during the regular season is cool… In the seven-game series in the playoffs, on my scout report, I got red on both of them. You see them, kill them.”