Overview
- Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves became the first NBA teammates to each top 200 points and 50 assists through their first seven games of a season, per statistician Greg Harvey.
- Los Angeles beat Charlotte 121–111 on Monday as Doncic scored 38, continuing an MVP‑level start alongside Reaves, who is averaging about 30 points and nine assists after returning from knee soreness.
- Head coach JJ Redick said James was "literally practicing with South Bay" and, per prior reporting, James has been cleared for contact as the team evaluates a possible mid‑November debut that could come as early as Nov. 18.
- Reaves confirmed he turned down a smaller summer extension but reiterated he wants to stay in L.A.; based on current projections the Lakers can offer up to five years and about $241 million, while other teams are limited to four years and roughly $178.5 million.
- Multiple outlets report the Lakers have rejected more than 20 trade offers for Reaves, and Redick has pushed him into a leadership role, even as outside commentators speculate about how James will be reintegrated when he returns.