Luka Dončić, one of the most talented players in the NBA, found himself in yet another awkward handshake moment. Despite his on-court dominance, the Lakers star seems to have some of the worst luck when it comes to off-court interactions.
This time, it was his own teammate, Austin Reaves, who unintentionally left Dončić hanging—a moment that has quickly gone viral.
Austin Reaves Accidentally Snubs Luka Dončić
In a video posted by the Luka Updates X handle, Dončić was seen approaching Reaves for a handshake. He extended his hand, expecting a quick acknowledgment, but Reaves was completely locked in on something else and walked right past him without noticing. Luka, momentarily caught off guard, pulled his hand back, looking more amused than embarrassed.
The moment was subtle but hilarious, adding to Dončić’s growing collection of handshake mishaps.
Austin didn’t see him😂 this isn’t the first time this has happened to Luka 🤣😅😅 pic.twitter.com/D0tsbyrt9X
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) March 18, 2025
Despite this lighthearted moment, Dončić has been on fire since returning from a one-game absence against the Denver Nuggets on March 14. He followed up his break with back-to-back stellar performances. Against the Phoenix Suns, he put up 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, helping the Lakers snap their four-game losing streak. He then continued his dominance versus the San Antonio Spurs, leading the Lakers to a comfortable 125-109 win while adding 21 points to the scoreline.
Not the First Time Luka Has Been Left Hanging
This isn’t the first time Dončić has been left hanging. He has had several funny moments in the past where his handshake or fist bump attempts went unnoticed.
Back in 2018, while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić attempted to high-five teammate Wesley Matthews after a play. Matthews, focused on the game, walked right past him, leaving Dončić hanging. Instead of showing frustration, Luka simply high-fived himself, turning the moment into an instant viral clip.
Similarly, in December 2020, Dončić extended his fist for a bump to a passerby. Unfortunately, no one noticed, so he casually fist-bumped himself instead. The moment even caught the attention of NBA player Josh Hart, who jokingly rated Dončić’s reaction a “10/10” on Twitter.
Luka got left hanging 😂 pic.twitter.com/GkSePfNELH
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 18, 2020
Interestingly, Dončić has been on the other side of such an interaction as well. During a game, NBA legend LeBron James extended his hand toward Dončić, but whether due to preoccupation or oversight, Dončić didn’t notice. He eventually returned seconds later to complete the handshake, but for a brief moment, King James was left hanging.
Luka ALMOST left LeBron hanging 😂 pic.twitter.com/2YVzt7xN3u
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 26, 2025
Beyond these lighthearted moments, the good news for the Lakers is that they finally seem to be coming out of their slump. After dropping four straight games, they’ve bounced back and reclaimed the fourth spot in the Western Conference.
Now holding a 42-25 record, the Lakers are making a strong playoff push. With Dončić delivering big performances and the team finding its rhythm again, these small off-court mishaps will remain just funny footnotes in what could be a deep postseason run.