Even though the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Indiana on the road on Wednesday, the team’s most exciting moment may not have taken place on the basketball court. Instead, it came in the form of guard Austin Reaves’ joking admission about teammate Luka Doncic. And a round of golf that apparently didn’t go as planned.
After the Lakers’ 137–130 win over the Indiana Pacers, Reaves joked that he intentionally let Doncic win during a recent golf matchup. The reason? According to Reaves, it was all part of a bigger plan.
“I let him win, it’s a confidence thing,” Reaves said with a laugh. “We need him to be at his best at 7:00 at night.” Both players are known to be decent golfers, with Reaves even having a dedicated YouTube channel related to the sport. So his playful claim didn’t seem entirely out of character.
Reaves’ “master plan” appeared to work, as Doncic dropped 43 points along with seven assists and six rebounds. The bond between Reaves and Doncic has only grown stronger this season, with both players playing key roles for the Lakers earlier this year during LeBron James’ absence.
Moments like the golf story also reveal something deeper about the team dynamic. Whether serious or not, Reaves’ joke showcases a level of trust and unity that is often seen in championship teams. Players who genuinely enjoy competing with each other off the court tend to build stronger bonds.
As the season progresses, that relationship could become even more important for the Lakers. Reaves might continue accepting those friendly losses if Doncic’s “confidence boost” from the golf course carries over into game nights, even if it’s all just a joke.
