Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves showcased their close bond during a recent team minicamp in Slovenia. The trip featured kayaking, golf, and a viral reflex drill that prompted Reaves to joke on social media about the video’s authenticity.
Team chemistry in the NBA often develops behind closed doors, but the Los Angeles Lakers took a very public approach this offseason by traveling to Luka Doncic’s hometown of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The multi-day minicamp served as both a bonding exercise and an immersion into the roots of one of the league’s top international superstars. Joining Doncic on the trip was his backcourt running mate Austin Reaves, alongside a revamped roster preparing for the upcoming season.
The trip included dinners, kayaking on Lake Bled, and visits with local fans. During a stop at a local hospital as part of Mamba Day celebrations, Reaves experienced firsthand how deeply beloved Doncic is in his home country. When a reporter asked what the kids at the hospital said, Reaves offered a candid and lighthearted assessment.
“They love Luka!”
Austin Reaves, via ekipa_sn/IG and LakersNation.com
When the reporter followed up by asking if the children also loved him, Reaves joked on the way out that the fans certainly loved Doncic more, calling his teammate a true hero.
Golf Course Banter and a Viral Social Media Reply
Away from community appearances, the team hit the links and courts. A golf outing between Doncic and Reaves produced a viral video clip shared by the Lakers’ social media team, where Reaves praised Doncic for a clean swing.
The lighthearted exchanges continued online when Doncic published an Instagram post recapping the Slovenia trip. The slideshow included a video of a one-on-one reflex drill between the two guards, with Doncic winning the contest.
The playful banter highlights a friendship that has blossomed since the two became teammates. Reaves recently described Doncic as one of his best friends on the planet, noting that the two talk almost every day and routinely trade messages about golf swings.
Roster Additions and High Expectations for the Lakers Backcourt
That on-court and off-court chemistry is vital for a Lakers franchise facing a transitional roster. Following an offseason that saw significant roster turnover and the departure of LeBron James, the front office made retaining Reaves a top priority. The organization locked him in by signing him to a new four-year, $180 million contract.
“They can be number one. They both can average 30 points a game… I don’t see nobody else that got a duo that can do that.”
Jeff Teague, Club 520 podcast
To support that tandem, the Lakers have brought in 11 new players for training camp, including Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes. Mamukelashvili recently flashed his potential during FIBA World Cup qualifiers, scoring 20 points with six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a win for Georgia over Israel, following his signing of a four-year, $52 million deal with Los Angeles.
Virtual Representation and What Lies Ahead
As the franchise prepares for the 2026-27 NBA season, the league’s digital landscape is also reflecting the new-look Lakers. In the gameplay trailer for NBA 2K27 released on Tuesday, Doncic and Reaves were prominently featured, showcasing a no-look pass from Doncic and a three-pointer from Reaves ahead of the game’s September 4 release date.
With injuries having hampered both players during previous stretches and the playoffs, the duo enters the upcoming campaign eager to prove themselves with a fresh supporting cast. Whether their social media jabs continue into the regular season remains certain, but their shared focus centers squarely on pushing the Lakers toward championship contention.
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