The Los Angeles Lakers have become one of the NBA’s biggest surprises this season. Following a 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, they’ve jumped out to a 7-2 start that has everyone talking, especially after another Luka Doncic masterclass.
Early debates have circled around two storylines. First, whether 40-year-old LeBron James, sidelined by a sciatica injury, has become a distraction. And second, whether the Lakers are actually thriving without him thanks to Austin Reaves’ explosive rise as a scoring and playmaking force alongside Luka Doncic.
Reaves has been on a tear, averaging more than 31 points, five rebounds, and nine assists per game, per Sports Illustrated. But on Wednesday night, both he and LeBron watched from the bench as Doncic powered Los Angeles past San Antonio, nearly notching another triple-double with 35 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds.
LeBron and Reaves React to Luka’s Wild Move
Midway through the second quarter, the Spurs led 44-40 when Doncic got the ball in the post, defended by Julian Champagnie. As Kelly Olynyk slid over to double him, Doncic split between both defenders with one quick burst and laid it in. It was the kind of play that looks impossible for most players, but the Slovenian star made it appear effortless.
In a viral clip shared by Lakers All Day Everyday on X, LeBron turned to Austin Reaves on the sideline, both exchanging wide-eyed disbelief. The look said it all. For a player who has seen just about everything in 22 seasons, including four MVPs, four championships, and 21 All-Star appearances, LeBron still found himself in awe of Doncic’s craft.
Later, Doncic pulled off another dazzling sequence, throwing an off-balance, behind-the-head pass to Rui Hachimura while being double-teamed by Stephon Castle and Champagnie near the baseline. Hachimura drained the three, and once again, cameras caught LeBron and Reaves shaking their heads, laughing in disbelief.
Lakers Chemistry Looks Strong Amid Injuries
The good vibes between LeBron and Reaves were evident throughout the night. Both could be seen laughing, talking, and reacting together from the bench, quieting recent talk of locker-room tension.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed that dynamic earlier in the season. “It’s as much Austin’s team as it is LeBron’s team or Luka’s team,” Redick said. “I told him he’s out of excuses. You’re no longer the undrafted guy who’s a young player. You’re one of the guys now. Every day, he’s willing to be coached. It’s been awesome.”
With James nursing his injury and Reaves sidelined by a groin issue, Doncic’s brilliance has kept the Lakers in the win column. But Reaves’ breakout year and LeBron’s leadership from the sidelines show that this group might finally have balance, even if that means the King takes a step back.
Maybe, for LeBron, chasing that elusive fifth championship means sharing the spotlight rather than controlling it. And if the sight of Doncic’s magic has him grinning instead of grimacing, the Lakers’ chemistry might just be stronger than ever.
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