"Make a Free Throw": Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Have Hilarious Back and Forth as Lakers Superstar Smokes Chance to Score 50

Luka Doncic led the LA Lakers to their first win of the new season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. After the game, he and teammate Austin Reaves had a hilarious back-and-forth on social media.

Reaves wrote in the comment section of Doncic’s post on Instagram. The Slovenian was celebrating his first win of the season and Reaves joked about his missed opportunity of scoring 50 points in the game.

“make a free throw.”

Luka Doncic responded.

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“Shut up.”

The Lakers lost on opening night to the Golden State Warriors. Against the Timberwolves, who eliminated them in their last game of last season, they won 128-110. Doncic recorded 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts on the baseline during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Doncic shot 14 of 23 from the field and added five 3-point shots. He was dominant in the first half, with 32 of the total 49 points. He narrowly missed reaching the 50-point mark after he missed the final two field goal attempts and a free throw late in the game.

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Luka Doncic on playing without LeBron James

Luka Doncic before the beginning of the season spoke about how he’d lead the Lakers without the injured LeBron James.

"I don't view it that way," Doncic said during preseason practice. "I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes for me to get a win."

Los Angeles Lakers guard Doncic (77) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Without James, the Lakers are 1-1 to start the season. Doncic in his absence has been superb offensively and is well supported by Reaves, who is primed for another important role in Los Angeles.

LeBron James is currently sidelined with right‐side sciatica. According to league insider Shams Charania, James and the Lakers are approaching his return with caution. He is expected to be re-evaluated in late October and a return “mid-Novemberish” is the working target if recovery goes well.

Edited by Ubong Richard