Doncic has another 40-point gem, but admits he's eager for Reaves' return to lighten his workload.
The Los Angeles Lakers grabbed a 129-118 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, but star guard Luka Doncic made it clear he's ready for some help.
After dropping 46 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds in the victory, Doncic spoke about his backcourt partner Austin Reaves and what his return means for the team moving forward.
"Yeah, I can't wait till he's back on the court so I can relax a little bit," Doncic said after the game. "So [hopefully] he helps us out to win these games."
It was another monster performance from Doncic, who is averaging 33.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists this season while carrying much of the offensive load without Reaves on the floor.
The Slovenian superstar has been shouldering an even bigger burden since Reaves went down with a left calf strain on December 28, which has kept him sidelined for 16 games and counting.
Reaves Could Return Against the Cavaliers
The good news is that relief appears to be on the way for Doncic and the Lakers.
Head coach JJ Redick said Reaves could be back in action as early as Wednesday when Los Angeles faces the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the guard having participated in full-contact work during Saturday's practice.
Reaves had been putting together a career year before the injury struck, averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists through 23 games.
His absence has forced Doncic to carry even more of the scoring responsibility, though the Lakers have managed to stay afloat with a 28-17 record that keeps them competitive in the Western Conference.
The Duo Was Dominant Before the Injury
Before Reaves went down, he and Doncic had formed one of the most productive scoring partnerships in recent NBA history.
The pair combined for the second-most points per game by any duo in the last 60 years, trailing only James Harden and Russell Westbrook from the 2019-20 season.
Their chemistry was so good that they became the first teammates ever to each record more than 200 points and 50 assists through their first seven games together.
Doncic expanded on what Reaves brings to the team after Monday's win, saying the guard gives them "three decision-makers on the court that have great talent" when he plays alongside Doncic and LeBron James.
Where Things Stand Now
The Bulls dropped to 23-23 with the loss after winning four straight and five of six heading into Monday's matchup.
They got 23 points from Coby White and 20 from Ayo Dosunmu, but Chicago had no answer for Doncic's third-quarter explosion where he poured in 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
The Lakers now head to Cleveland for Wednesday's game, and if Reaves does return as expected, it would mark a big boost for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Los Angeles has shown it can win without their star guard, but Doncic's comments make it clear that having his backcourt partner back on the floor will make everyone's job easier, including his own.