Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić called teammate Austin Reaves 'annoying' in a recent interview, a joke that shows the strong chemistry between the team's two biggest stars. This bond is a positive sign for a Lakers squad that ended last season with a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026, and is looking to improve after a difficult recent run of form. NY Post Sports first reported the story.
What did Luka Dončić say about Austin Reaves?
In a clip posted to the Lakers' official X account, Dončić was asked to describe Reaves using a single word. He stared directly into the camera and delivered his answer. "Annoying," Dončić said. The moment was clearly meant in jest, reflecting the kind of constant teasing that happens between close friends. Their friendship has grown significantly over the past few NBA seasons, with the two players now being very close on and off the court.
This dynamic was further solidified last month when the Lakers' roster took a team-building trip to Dončić's home country of Slovenia. Spending time together in that setting likely helped strengthen relationships throughout the team. For a franchise that values locker room cohesion, seeing its top players connect like this is encouraging. You can see the current roster dynamics on our official roster page.
Why does this matter for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Team chemistry is not a guarantee of wins, but a lack of it can certainly cause losses. The Lakers' recent form shows they need every advantage they can get. Their last five results show a record of 1 win and 4 losses, with a sequence of L-L-L-L-W. They lost their last four games before that single victory.
Having a core where Dončić and Reaves can joke freely suggests a healthy environment. If the team struggles when the new season tips off, internal discord probably won't be the primary reason. Their problems would more likely stem from on-court execution, defensive lapses, or shooting percentages rather than a fractured locker room. Building trust off the court can translate to better pick-and-roll execution and defensive communication on it.
What comes next for the Lakers?
The focus now shifts to translating this off-court bond into on-court success. The memory of that 110-115 defeat to Oklahoma City to close their previous campaign will be a motivator. The team needs to address the issues that led to that four-game losing streak. Improving their perimeter defense and finding more consistent scoring options beyond their stars will be key.
Coaching staff will look to use the positive energy between Dončić and Reaves. Their connection could be central to the offensive scheme, with more designed plays use their understanding. The upcoming schedule, which you can view on our schedule page, will test this chemistry immediately. While friendship is great, the NBA is ultimately about points, rebounds, and wins. The Lakers have the star power. Now they need to prove they can build a winning system around it, starting with their next game.
