Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Shine in Lakers’ Preseason Victory Over Kings
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Lead Lakers to Preseason Win
The connection between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves was on full display during the Los Angeles Lakers' 114-110 victory against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Although it was only a preseason matchup, the two players demonstrated why they could become one of the NBA's most effective backcourt duos this season.
The game’s first play set the tone: Reaves passed to Doncic cutting to the basket, who scored while drawing a foul. Both shared 25 minutes of playing time. Doncic finished with 23 points on six-for-16 shooting, while Reaves contributed eight points on two-for-seven shooting, alongside eight assists and five rebounds.
Highlights and Key Moments
- Doncic earned a technical foul late in the third quarter but had a standout moment in the second quarter with a 31-foot, one-legged three-pointer assisted by Sandro Mamukelashvili, who scored 19 points.
- Reaves made his preseason debut after missing earlier games, impressing with a hesitation move near the end of the second quarter that froze defender Emanuel Sharp, leading to a smooth baseline layup.
Coach JJ Redick on Their Chemistry
"I think there’s good chemistry between them. It’s natural—they enjoy playing together. Having two ballhandlers on the court is an underrated part of today’s NBA," said Redick. "It’s valuable to have two or three players who can handle the ball simultaneously."
Injury Updates
- Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton both missed their third straight preseason game; Ziaire Williams sat out his second.
- Kessler, acquired from the Utah Jazz as a center, is recovering from a finger injury sustained during practice when he hit the backboard. Coach Redick mentioned, "We need to check in tomorrow. It’s not concerning; he will play in the preseason."
- Williams experienced soreness but nothing alarming according to Redick.
- Additional absences included Cameron Carr, Dalton Knecht, and Arthur Kaluma.
