With nine newcomers and two open starting jobs, the Lakers entered camp with plenty for Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic to solve. Yet Reaves identified an unexpected challenge when asked about playing beside Doncic.

“The hardest part [about playing with Luka] is to understand his English on the court,” Reaves said, via ESPN Los Angeles. “He gets talking fast, Slovenian, Serbian, speaks 4 languages. Sometimes I’m looking at him like, ‘talk to me in English, I need English.’”

Reaves framed the answer humorously, although Doncic’s rapid delivery creates a real adjustment during play. It is one challenge within a dramatically reshaped roster.

Austin Reaves on the toughest part about playing with Luka Doncic:

"The hardest part [about playing with Luka] is to understand his English on the court. He gets talking fast, Slovenian, Serbian, speaks 4 languages. Sometimes I'm looking at him like, 'talk to me in English, I… pic.twitter.com/OLjm80tGxL

— Kalshi NBA (@KalshiNBA) October 5, 2026

Lakers build supporting cast around Doncic and Reaves

The partnership sits at the center of the Lakers’ offensive plans. Doncic and Reaves can manufacture scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates, while the players around them must supply shooting and defensive support.

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The Lakers added several defenders capable of handling that responsibility. Reaves praised Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler after facing them during the opening practices.

“Defensively, we’re going to be much better,” Reaves said. He added that the group competes throughout each possession and allows everyone else to perform the correct role.

That structure could help Doncic and Reaves conserve energy by reducing their difficult defensive assignments. It also places added importance on the two remaining spots in JJ Redick’s starting lineup.

The Lakers still have several basketball questions to answer before settling their rotation. Based on Reaves’ assessment, understanding Doncic might rank among the trickier ones.

Reaves will gladly take the scoring opportunities. He may just need Doncic to repeat the instructions in English first.