Austin Reaves delivered a historic performance, scoring a career-high 51 points along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. The win came despite the absence of star players Luka Doncic and LeBron James, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Lakers roster.
Reaves was remarkably efficient from the field, making 12 of 22 shots, including 6 of 10 from three-point range, and sinking 21 of 22 free throws. His fourth three-pointer of the night marked the 500th of his career, placing him ninth on the Lakers’ all-time list for made threes. He also became just the eighth player in franchise history to hit 20 or more free throws in a single game, underscoring his scoring prowess and clutch accuracy under pressure.
The Lakers controlled much of the game from the outset, with Reaves scoring consistently across all four quarters: 7 points in the first, 14 in the second, 15 in the third, and 15 in the fourth. This offensive outburst made him the 12th player in Lakers history to reach the 50-point plateau, a feat that highlighted his ability to carry the team in the absence of its usual leaders. His performance was not just about scoring; he facilitated the offense and contributed on the boards, nearly securing a triple-double.
Supporting cast members stepped up admirably to complement Reaves’ heroics. Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence, while Rui Hachimura added 18 points on efficient 7-for-10 shooting. Marcus Smart, starting in place of Doncic, contributed 11 points, and Jake LaRavia chipped in 11 off the bench, demonstrating the team’s balanced effort and depth in securing the crucial road win.
On the Kings’ side, Zach LaVine led the scoring with 32 points, and DeMar DeRozan added 21, but Sacramento struggled to contain Reaves’ dominance. Domantas Sabonis posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder dished out 12 assists to go with 18 points. The Kings tied the game at halftime after a strong second quarter fueled by seven three-pointers, but they couldn’t sustain the momentum against Reaves’ relentless fourth-quarter surge.
The Lakers were severely short-handed, with Doncic ruled out due to a left finger sprain and leg contusion, expected to be reevaluated in about a week, and James recovering from sciatica, not anticipated back until mid-November. Additional absences included Jaxson Hayes with knee soreness and Gabe Vincent, who turned his ankle during the game. This context made Reaves’ performance even more vital for team morale and their position in the standings.
Reaves’ stat line places him in elite company; he is only the fourth player in the last 40 years to record at least 50 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists in a game, joining Luka Doncic, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. The last Lakers player to achieve such a feat was Elgin Baylor in 1963, emphasizing the rarity and historical significance of Reaves’ accomplishment in the annals of NBA history.
Post-game, Reaves humbly credited his teammates, noting that Doncic had texted him wanting 60 points and Jarred Vanderbilt joked about needing “50 from you tonight.” Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of proving the team could win without their stars, and Reaves’ clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory, avoiding any teasing from Doncic about falling short. This win boosts the Lakers’ confidence as they face upcoming challenges, including a game against the Trail Blazers, and reinforces Reaves’ emergence as a key player in their quest for success.