Luka Dončić taking care of Austin Reaves like a protective big brother

Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes questions from the media during Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 29, 2025 in El Segundo, California.

(Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune)

During Game 4 against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, what unfolded on the sideline between Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves was more than just about placing a cushion.

As the Los Angeles Lakers battled the Rockets, footage showed Dončić, himself dealing with a hamstring injury, gently placing a cushion on Reaves’ chair so he could sit more comfortably.

This is the same bromance where, not long ago, Reaves offered his seat to Dončić, who jokingly tried to sit on Reaves’ lap.

The two are masters at teasing each other. When Luka dropped 49 points against the Timberwolves, just one shy of 50, the entire arena was on its feet, except Reaves, who didn’t budge from his seat.

Reaves commented on Dončić’s post, “Make a free throw,” to which Luka shot back, “Shut up.”

When reporters asked Dončić if he could average 40 points per game, he smiled and said, “Austin’s stupid,” because it was Reaves who had planted the idea in his head.