By Sunday 
LeBron James might be on the sidelines, but the Lakers aren’t missing a beat — thanks to the “sick backcourt” of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The two guards just pulled off something the NBA has never seen before, combining for historic numbers in Monday’s 121–111 win over the Hornets.
🔥 Reaves Back With a Bang
After sitting out three games with right knee soreness, Austin Reaves looked like a man making up for lost time. He wasn’t lights-out from deep (just 2-of-10), but when it mattered most, he delivered — from clutch buckets to a crucial fourth-quarter steal that sealed the deal.
“I hate missing games,” Reaves admitted postgame. “I wanted to get back as quickly as possible.” And you could feel it. The energy, the hustle, the grit — everything Lakers fans love about him was back in full force.
🪄 Luka’s Magic Still Flowing
On the other end, Luka Doncic continued his MVP-level tear, pouring in buckets and dishing out assists like it was second nature. Through seven games, he’s already tallied 260 points and 64 assists — numbers that are hard to comprehend, even for Luka standards.
Doncic couldn’t hide his excitement having his running mate back:
“It’s great. I was pushing him to get back. He’s an amazing player… After missing [three games], it’s not easy to just come back and perform the way he performed.”
🧠 Redick’s Plan Paying Off
Head coach JJ Redick is clearly loving his new weapons. Calling Reaves “an All-Star-level player” before the game, Redick has leaned into his two-headed backcourt — and it’s paying off big time. The Lakers’ offense looks smooth, balanced, and confident, even with LeBron still rehabbing his sciatica.
⚡ Next Stop: OKC
With the Lakers sitting at 8–3, their next challenge is no joke — a date with the reigning champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder. But with Luka and Austin rewriting history, you’d be brave to bet against them.