As LeBron James eases his way back to full fitness, both Dončić and Reaves are putting together an All-Star-caliber season.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves combine for historic performance
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 133–122 on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, pushing their winning streak to seven games.
With LeBron James still working his way back to full fitness and rested for the game, the younger generation of Lakers talent took control. Luka Dončić put up 34 points in the win while Austin Reaves managed 33, making history in the process.
That Dončić-Reaves partnership is just the fourth duo in the past 50 years to each score 30+ points in three straight games.
The Lakers backcourt showed out for their 7th straight win 🤩
— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2025
Luka: 34 PTS | 12 REB | 7 AST | 4 3PM
Reaves: 33 PTS | 5 REB | 8 AST | 4 3PM
The 3rd game in a row with both Luka and Reaves scoring 30+ 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Ee0RH3ESUp
They join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Bucks, 2023), Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette (Warriors, 2010) and George Gervin and Mike Mitchell (Spurs, 1984) as the only duos to achieve the feat. With a 15–4 record, the Lakers sit second in the Western Conference and are on pace for a 65-win season behind the prolific production of their revamped backcourt.
Why are the Lakers so good?
Reaves is putting together an All-Star–caliber campaign, averaging 28.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Dončić, in his first full season in Los Angeles, is averaging 35.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 1.7 steals — numbers that place him firmly in the MVP conversation.
“I think we’re just good basketball players,” Dončić said of his growing chemistry with Reaves. “I don’t know what makes us special, but I think we’re just good basketball players.”
The Lakers’ success continues to hinge on their output but the Dončić-Reaves backcourt is working for now. They return to the floor Monday for the second half of their back-to-back, hosting the Phoenix Suns as they look to stretch their win streak to eight.
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