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Post-practice is usually a lighthearted time around the league. Things are no different for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are known to organize many competitions to help with team spirit, and today, one such moment between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves was caught on camera, including a reaction from the superstar point guard that not everyone would have expected.

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The video, taken by Lakers insider Daniel Starkland, shows Doncic and Reaves facing off in a half-court shooting competition. The two start off by trading misses, with each missing two, before Reaves drills his first attempt, celebrating with his arms open wide and staring at the roof.

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Doncic, talking to a few Lakers staff members, then launched the ball in frustration at what seems to be head video coordinator Michael Wexler, who joined the team last season after stints with the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.

Anyone who’s followed Doncic for any amount of time will know about the Slovenian’s intense competitive streak, whether in a playoff matchup, a regular-season game, or a simple shooting challenge, with him rarely treating any moment too casually.

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Reaves and his backcourt-mate have become one of the league’s best partnerships since Doncic arrived in LA last season, with the two becoming fast friends both on and off the court. They’ve been known to throw humorous shade at each other during interviews, and their competition after practice just reinforces their bond.

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Doncic once remarked on Reaves predicting a 40-point performance earlier this season: “Austin’s stupid.” Reaves responded to it by saying:

“He’s an idiot… I don’t know what he did yesterday, but he was in a really good mood today, joking around, having a good time.”

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So it seems like things are well between Doncic and his teammates.

Luka Doncic’s Relationship With Coaching Staff and Staff Members

Luka Doncic has been known to develop close relationships with his coaches and staff members, with many of them speaking to his character at various points. Last season, following his trade to the Lakers, Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, someone who worked closely with Doncic in Dallas, came to his defense.

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“I constantly remember working, and him being able to work on a consistent basis, because he loves the game of basketball,” Mosley said after reports about then-GM Nico Harrison‘s doubts about Doncic’s conditioning surfaced. “All I can remember when he first got to the league and us being there was there were a lot of nights spent in the gym playing one-on-one with Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Smith Jr.”

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Perhaps it’s the closeness that Doncic fostered with him during their time together that made Mosely come to his defense. In any case, Doncic has not wasted any time endearing himself to the team in Los Angeles.

Just a few weeks ago, Doncic bought everyone on the Lakers, including players, staff and coaches, “very high-end” e-bikes, according to head coach JJ Redick, totaling over 100 units bought by the superstar.

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Siddharth Rawat

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Siddharth Rawat is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, focused on covering roster moves and injury updates from the Newsroom Desk. Combining a background in literature with analytical approach, he provides reports that go beyond surface-level news. Siddharth has closely followed the Cleveland Cavaliers for years, offering timely and insightful updates on any trades, injuries, or roster shifts involving the team. In addition to his sports journalism, Siddharth is a passionate gaming content specialist with extensive knowledge of game culture and esports. He holds a degree in literature and computer science and has experience in organizing esports events and conducting industry research. His blend of creativity, structure, and research experience allows him to craft engaging content and community-focused experiences tailored for gaming and interactive media audiences.

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