Luka 2.0 is also a verbal savant. He was the biggest topic during the Lakers’ media availability ahead of the season opener. Up against Stephen Curry & Co., his first full season as a Laker, the LA team with a new look, a starting position, and LeBron James benched for the next few weeks, the Slovenian is the star aka the ‘new face’ of this side. But what about his co-stars? Luka Doncic made his thoughts about them very clear.

The Purple and Gold is never complete without a big and point guard chemistry. Luka Doncic has already found his rhythm with Jaxson Hayes. Despite being on the team since 2023, he’s only had more of a presence this past season. With a Doncic-focused lineup, there’s a possibility of him finally having a breakout year.

The 26-year-old ace flexed their chemistry, claiming, “I do have a special connection, especially in those lobs. He’s a great guy, so. I’m very excited to get to start with him too.”

It’s going to depend on JJ Redick. And maybe even the Slovenian government… Minutes before Doncic arrived, Hayes was at the same presser claiming he was going to get a Slovenian passport to play on the national team alongside Luka. After that display at the EuroBasket, we don’t blame him.

Doncic, though, indirectly advised him not to jump the gun just yet. “I want to talk about los Angeles now. That’s next summer, so we’ll talk about it later.” Fingers crossed for Jax.

JJ Redick is going an interesting route with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton for the starting lineup. But there are two players everyone’s dying to see the 26-year-old play with. The Slovenian import, however, has his own thoughts about these certain teammates.

Austin Reaves hilariously outdone by Marcus Smart

Luka Doncic started his presser by talking about Austin Reaves after he yelled, “He’s my favorite teammate,” on his way out.

“He’s childish. He’s my least favorite. He’s a big kid. Very childish,” the Slovenian said with a smirk on his face. Glad we got that out of the way! We can anticipate more missed high-fives, silly banter, and whining about who Daddy Bron loves more this season.

You know who’s not a ‘big kid’? Marcus Smart. Literally at a listed height of 6’3″, but a defensive juggernaut. And defense is where AR and Luka Doncic are both critically shorthanded on. We’re not sure about Reaves, but the new face of the Lakers has been getting tips from the 2022 DPOY.

Luka Doncic called Marcus Smart a “great” teammate and hinted they talked shop a lot this summer. “[We] talked a lot, especially about defense, about how I need to play, how I need to be ready, how to guard some players. He helps me a lot and a lot of players.” 

Smart, who was recovering from “a little Achilles tendiopathy,” as per JJ Redick, previously revealed that Luka Doncic actively recruited him to the Lakers after the Wizards waived him. LA signed him within two days, and it’s easy to see why.