Overview
- Dave McMenamin’s ESPN feature published ahead of Christmas coverage captures the guards’ off‑court rapport and constant trash talk.
- The pair compete in cards, bowling, darts, foosball, and golf, with Luka Doncic joking he is ducking Austin Reaves on the course and Reaves saying foosball favors Doncic.
- A bowling night at Doncic’s place remains a friendly dispute, as each claims victory, illustrating the running rivalry.
- Coach JJ Redick calls the relationship healthy, and an ESPN-sourced team voice says Doncic has come to appreciate how good Reaves is.
- The Lakers are 19-9 with Doncic producing MVP-level numbers and Reaves pushing for an All-Star berth, as reporting notes Reaves’ contract year includes mutual interest in a long-term deal.