{"id":949967,"date":"2026-11-02T15:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/949967\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:00:13","slug":"lakers-listened-to-luka-doncic-in-major-austin-reaves-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/949967\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers listened to Luka Doncic in major Austin Reaves decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luka Doncic reportedly played a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to re-sign Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million deal this summer. The pairing has paid off immediately, with the two star guards powering the team to a 5-2 start behind dominant offensive displays.<\/p>\n

Despite the questions about the duo’s potential defense problems, Luka Doncic<\/a> and Austin Reaves<\/a> have led the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> to a 5-2 start with their incredible offensive performances.<\/p>\n

However, there was some doubt in the summer whether Reaves would return to the Lakers as several teams were interested in the 28-year-old guard, with some people wondering if Los Angeles could find a better pairing for Doncic.<\/p>\n

Though it seems that Doncic himself influenced the decision to retain Reaves in the summer due to their close relationship, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“I’ve heard that behind the scenes, that has been reported publicly. Luka wanted Austin back. So if Luka wants Austin back, Austin’s gonna be back. If Luka wants Walker Kessler, the Lakers went out and and got Walker Kessler. If Luka wants some of these role players or at least signs off on them, they get him,” he said on his show, Buha’s Block.<\/p>\n

And that’s not to put it on Luka by any means. I’m just stating like, he messes with Austin. He likes Austin. He wanted him. So the Lakers signed him. And I think it was the right decision, but it also was a decision that Luka wanted and Luka backed.<\/p>\n

Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million contract to remain with the Lakers back in June.<\/p>\n

\"Austin<\/p>\n

Austin Reaves Luka Doncic Lakers<\/p>\n

Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix<\/p>\n

Lakers duo off to a solid start <\/p>\n

Luka Doncic has been on a tear offensively to start the season with Reaves being not far behind.<\/p>\n

Doncic is currently leading the league in scoring with a 37.7 point average across the first six games he has played, adding 8.2 rebounds and 7.3 assists, shooting 55.0% on two pointers, 43.2% on three pointers and 90.2% on free throws.<\/p>\n

Reaves has been averaging 23.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists to start the season, shooting 60.0% from inside the arc and 40.0% from beyond with 87.5% from the free throw line.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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