Reaves Scores Career-High 51 as Lakers Play Without Luka
Austin Reaves made headlines by scoring a career-high 51 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This remarkable performance took place on October 27, 2025, as the Lakers played without key stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Austin Reaves Shines in Lakers’ Victory
Reaves, who logged 11 rebounds and 9 assists, proved his worth to the Lakers on a night when the team faced significant challenges. With James sidelined due to right sciatica, Doncic dealing with a finger sprain and leg contusion, and Jaxson Hayes unavailable due to knee soreness, Reaves stepped up to lead his team.
Scoring Breakdown
Throughout the game, Reaves displayed an impressive scoring ability, accumulating points as follows:
- 7 points in the first quarter
- 14 points in the second quarter
- 15 points in the third quarter
- 15 points in the fourth quarter
Reaves finished with a shooting line of 12-for-22 from the field, including 6-for-10 from three-point range, and an astounding 21-for-22 from the free-throw line. This performance not only marked him as the 12th player in Lakers history to score 50 points in a game but also highlighted his skills as a facilitator.
Support from Teammates
Reaves received encouragement from his teammates. Luka Doncic, who couldn’t play, expressed his hope for Reaves to score 60 points. Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt also urged Reaves to aim for 50 before the game began. Reaves was clearly able to deliver on this expectation.
Upcoming Challenges
The Lakers faced additional difficulties during the game, including Gabe Vincent suffering an ankle injury early in the second half. Despite these hurdles, Deandre Ayton complemented Reaves’ performance with 22 points and 15 rebounds, and Rui Hachimura added 18 points on efficient shooting.
Team Resilience
Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized the significance of this win, stating it demonstrated the team’s resilience without their star players. The ability to secure a victory under such circumstances shows the team’s potential moving forward.
Reaves’ strong performance against the Kings allowed him to solidify his role in the Lakers’ lineup. Notably, his fourth three-pointer of the game was the 500th of his career, ranking him ninth in the franchise’s all-time three-pointers made.
With this success, the Lakers showcased their depth and determination, proving they could compete at a high level even in the absence of key players.
