Jake LaRavia impressed many with his energy and skill in the Lakers’ early season, but he admits that playing with Luka Doncic is not always easy.

LaRavia explained that Luka’s extraordinary moves on the court, which wow fans and often create scoring opportunities, also demand constant focus and quick reactions from teammates.

“Sometimes it’s hard playing with Luka because he’ll do a move that’s so crazy and I want to react but I can’t because I have to get back on defense,” LaRavia said. This highlights the high level of awareness required to stay in sync with a player as dynamic as Luka.​

Building Chemistry Takes Time and Communication

LaRavia emphasized that playing with a star like Doncic requires a different mindset and understanding. Teammates must know when to cut, set screens, and position themselves to complement Luka’s style, which evolves constantly during games.

LaRavia called this a learning curve and stressed the importance of patience and practice to develop smooth chemistry. As the Lakers start to gel, LaRavia remains focused on improving this connection to enhance team performance.​

Praise for Austin Reaves and Team Leadership

Besides Luka, LaRavia also praised fellow star Austin Reaves, noting that both players lead the Lakers every time they step on the court.

He described Reaves as a fierce competitor and leader who helps rally the team in difficult moments. With LeBron James still recovering from injury, LaRavia acknowledges that Doncic and Reaves have carried the offensive load early, driving the Lakers to a strong 5-2 start this season.

With growing chemistry alongside stars like Reaves, LaRavia is positioned to be a key contributor as the Lakers chase championship aspirations.