STWF| LOS ANGELES | Nov. 6, 2025 — Luka Doncic once again looked every bit like the frontrunner for the 2025 NBA MVP award, but even after another breathtaking performance, the Dallas Mavericks star knew a message from his friend — and frequent trash-talking partner — Austin Reaves was coming his way.

Doncic poured in 35 points, dished out 13 assists, and nearly logged another triple-double with nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks in a losing effort as the Mavericks fell 118-116 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The Lakers, still without LeBron James, managed to outlast a late Dallas surge behind Reaves’ timely shooting and the steady play of Anthony Davis, who finished with 28 points and 11 boards.

As the buzzer sounded, the Lakers escaped with a two-point victory — but the postgame storyline was as much about friendship as it was about basketball.

Doncic and Reaves: Trash Talk With Respect

The ESPN postgame interviewer didn’t waste time bringing up what has become a lighthearted subplot in the NBA’s growing list of player rivalries: the ongoing, friendly back-and-forth between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“I know you and Austin have some fun trash talk back and forth,” the reporter asked. “What’s he going to tell you tonight?”

Doncic couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, I already know what he’s going to say,” Doncic said with a grin. “He’s going to remind me that he beat me — again.”

The two players have developed a playful friendship off the court, often exchanging jabs over text or on social media after their respective teams meet. Reaves, who has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s rising stars and fiercest competitors, hasn’t shied away from reminding Doncic whenever the Lakers come out on top.

This time, he had the bragging rights.

MVP Numbers, but No Win for Dallas

For Doncic, the defeat was yet another reminder of how narrow the margins are in the Western Conference this season. The Mavericks’ superstar continues to post staggering numbers, averaging 33.8 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.7 rebounds through the first 10 games of the season.

He was unstoppable for much of the night, orchestrating the Dallas offense with his signature blend of craft and confidence. Every time the Lakers built a lead, Doncic seemed to have an answer — a step-back three, a no-look dime, or a pinpoint pass that defied logic.

But the Lakers, led by head coach Darvin Ham, adjusted defensively in the final minutes, throwing multiple looks at Doncic and forcing the ball out of his hands. Dallas’ supporting cast couldn’t capitalize on open looks, and a late turnover sealed their fate.

“He’s the best player in the world right now, in my opinion,” Reaves said postgame when asked about guarding Doncic. “But when the lights are on, you’ve got to compete. I just told him I’d text him later — just to remind him who won tonight.”

Life Without LeBron

While the Lakers’ win was impressive, it came amid continued uncertainty around LeBron James’ sciatica injury, which has sidelined him since the start of the season. Reaves and Davis have carried the load, with contributions from D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura helping the Lakers tread water in a loaded Western Conference.

“We’re learning how to play together without Bron,” Davis said. “It’s not easy — you can’t replace what he brings. But we’ve got guys stepping up. Austin’s been great. He competes on both ends. Luka’s a handful, but we found a way to close it out.”

Friendship, Fire, and the Future

Doncic’s friendship with Reaves may be rooted in mutual respect, but make no mistake — the competitive fire burns bright.

When asked whether he’d fire back after Reaves’ inevitable text, Doncic smirked. “Of course,” he said. “We’ll see him again.”

If this game was any indication, NBA fans are in for more than just high-level basketball whenever Dallas and Los Angeles meet. They’re watching two young stars — one a global icon, the other a homegrown underdog — pushing each other toward greatness.

And as Luka Doncic keeps stacking MVP-worthy stat lines, Austin Reaves will be right there waiting — ready with another message that only a friend (and rival) could deliver.