Austin Reaves Leads Lakers with Career-High 51 Points

SACRAMENTO, California – October 26: Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers scored a career-high 51 points during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The victory moved the Lakers to 2-1 this season, with Reaves stepping up significantly in the absence of star players LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Reaves, who averaged 20 points last season, has elevated his game in recent weeks. His performance against the Kings followed a standout game where he also recorded 16 assists, showing his ability to contribute in multiple ways. Reaves’ impressive scoring streak comes after he was an undrafted player who signed with the Lakers in 2021, developing into a key player on the team.

Teammate Rui Hachimura acknowledged Reaves’ growth, recalling his first impression of the guard when he made a move against Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023. Hachimura said, “I honestly didn’t know about him before… But then I saw him make a move on Giannis, and I was like, ‘Oh OK, he got it.’”

Initially a scrappy guard under former coach Frank Vogel, Reaves has adapted his role, especially after the departure of Russell Westbrook. Now, he is a primary ball-handler, exemplified by his back-to-back high-scoring games where he tallied 51 points against the Kings and 41 points in a previous matchup.

Head coach JJ Redick praised Reaves’ development, noting how he has embraced the leadership role in a team dealing with injuries. Despite initial concerns about the Lakers’ ability to perform without their stars, Reaves has proven to be more than capable, especially with clutch plays like the game-winner against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As Reaves continues to shine, the Lakers are optimistic about his future, indicating he may draw significant interest during the upcoming free agency. With teams across the league keeping a close eye on his performance, Reaves’ breakout has not gone unnoticed.