The Los Angeles Lakers (15‑4) enter Monday night’s matchup with the Phoenix Suns riding a seven-game winning streak and looking every bit like one of the NBA’s best teams. A major reason for their surge has been the dominant play of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have powered the offense throughout November.
Doncic is averaging 35.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 15 games this season, while Reaves has delivered a breakout campaign of his own, averaging 28.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists, and emerging as a reliable secondary creator. Their rise has eased the offensive burden on LeBron James, who turns 41 this month. Despite James appearing in just four games this season due to injuries, the Lakers sit in second place in the Western Conference.
Doncic’s and Reaves’ latest heroics came Sunday night when the Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121. The Slovenian superstar Doncic finished the night with 34 points, and Reaves added 33 – marking the third consecutive game in which both teammates scored 30 or more points. With much of the season still ahead, the Lakers continue to lean on the chemistry of this new star duo and will hope both remain healthy in the long run.
Ahead of Monday’s game, the team shared an impressive stat on social media. The combination of Doncic and Reaves is averaging 10 more points per game than any other duo in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combine to average 52.9 points per game.
While Doncic’s arrival in February was expected to elevate the franchise into contention, Reaves’ rapid rise has become one of the season’s biggest storylines. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021, the 27‑year-old is on pace to surpass his career-high point average. His improved scoring, playmaking and efficiency have solidified him as a true co‑star alongside Doncic.
As the Lakers prepare to face the Suns, they will once again rely on their high-scoring tandem, aiming for an eighth straight win and another signature performance as they climb the Western Conference standings.
