Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Rewrite NBA Record Books as Lakers Surge Past Hornets

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 121-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, powered by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who combined for 62 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds. Their dominance came with LeBron James sidelined due to sciatica, showing the duo’s growing importance to the team.

According to Greg Harvey, Doncic and Reaves have become the first teammates in NBA history to each record more than 200 points and 50 assists within the first seven games of a season. Luka Doncic has tallied 260 points and 64 assists through seven contests, while Austin Reaves has posted 242 points and 72 assists across eight games. Despite both missing time with injuries, their production has been unmatched when on the floor.

Luka Dončić leads the way in the @Lakers' W!

🪄 38 points
🪄 7 assists
🪄 6 rebounds
🪄 5 threes

He has scored 35+ points in 5 of the 7 games he's played in this season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JOJVtZxKHj
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025

Austin Reaves returned from a three-game absence caused by right knee soreness and immediately made an impact. Though he struggled from deep, hitting just two of ten attempts, he contributed in key moments, including a fourth-quarter steal that helped secure the win.

His presence was welcomed by Doncic, who praised his backcourt partner’s resilience. “It’s always great to have him back. He’s an amazing player, you saw it today,” Doncic said after the game.

Reaves Returns Determined After Knee Setback

Austin Reaves himself admitted frustration at being sidelined, explaining that he attempted to play against Atlanta but was held out by medical staff. “I wanted to get back as quickly as possible… I hate missing games,” he said.

Head coach JJ Redick emphasized Reaves’ importance to the roster, calling him an All-Star-level player. “He’s, along with Luka, an incredibly dynamic offensive player. I think our depth increases, the lineup optionality increases, so not having him in the lineup really, really hurts us,” Redick noted.

The Lakers, now 8-3, continue to rely on Doncic and Reaves to carry the offensive load in James’ absence. Their chemistry has quickly become the defining feature of the team’s early season success. Veteran James had previously labeled the pair a “sick backcourt,” and their performances have validated that assessment.

Looking ahead, the Lakers face their toughest challenge yet when they meet the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who sit at 10-1. The matchup will test whether the Doncic-Reaves tandem can maintain their historic pace against elite competition.