Kendrick Perkins Reveals His Pick for NBA’s Best Duo

Kendrick Perkins Raves About Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves: “Best Duo in Basketball Right Now”
Over the years, NBA analyst and former player Kendrick Perkins has witnessed many dominant duos, but few have captured his interest as much as the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

With the new NBA season just underway, Perkins has been watching closely as several teams come out firing, but he says the chemistry between Doncic and Reaves has been on another level. Taking to social media, the ESPN pundit didn’t hold back his praise.

“I think it’s safe to say that Luka and Reaves are the best duo in basketball right now,” Perkins wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

It’s high praise — but given their performances so far, few could argue.

Doncic’s Commanding Start

Doncic has been outstanding when on the court, even though his injury limited him to just four games early in the 2025–26 season. He appears to be able to handle every possession with ease.

Reaves Rises to the Occasion

While Doncic’s brilliance has grabbed headlines, Austin Reaves has been equally vital to the Lakers’ strong start.When Doncic and LeBron James have been out, Reaves, who averages 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, has stepped in as the team’s mainstay.

An Advantage for the Lakers

With a 5–2 record, the Lakers are off to a fantastic start, and the Doncic–Reaves partnership is largely responsible for their success.

While some fear James’ return will upset the rhythm Doncic and Reaves have established, others think his seasoned leadership will only make it better.Either way, it’s clear that the Lakers have found something special.

As Perkins put it best — right now, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are playing like the NBA’s best duo, and the rest of the league is officially on notice.