What happened: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves says he has considered paying fans to trash-talk teammate Luka Doncic during games. Reaves told Sports Illustrated the unorthodox idea is designed to awaken the superstar's competitive edge.

Why it matters: The comments highlight the franchise's transition into a new era with Doncic as the focal point. Following a major roster overhaul, the Lakers are building chemistry to evaluate their playoff potential without Lebron James.

What to watch: The Lakers continue to evaluate their revamped roster as the preseason progresses.