The Los Angeles Lakers returned to the court Sunday night for the first time since learning guard Austin Reaves will be sidelined at least four weeks with a calf strain. Playing at Crypto.com Arena, the club responded with a decisive win over the Sacramento Kings, leaning heavily on Luka Doncic and LeBron James to offset Reaves’ absence.
Doncic paced the Lakers with 34 points, adding five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. James delivered one of his most accurate shooting performances of the season, finishing with 24 points on 11-for-13 from the field, along with five assists and two steals.
James: ‘Whatever’s needed’ without Reaves
After three consecutive losses—including a Christmas Day blowout against the Houston Rockets—head coach JJ Redick promised a hard practice. James said the coaching staff provided a clear game plan against Sacramento, and the players “executed that for 48 minutes.”
With Reaves unavailable, James reiterated his willingness to fill any void. “Whatever’s needed,” he said. “If it’s a little more defensive rebounding, a little more scoring or a little more assisting to take pressure off Luka Doncic, I can still do it at a high level if need be.”
The 39-year-old forward credited good rhythm and balance for his efficient night, which included several dunks and easy looks at the rim. He also highlighted the team’s overall response, noting that “no matter who is coming into your building, you’ve got to be able to play the game,” calling it “one of the better games we’ve had this year.”
Doncic says tone starts with Lakers’ stars
Doncic echoed the responsibility he and James share while Reaves recovers. “I think it definitely starts with us,” the guard said. “When AR is back it’s going to be all three of us. Now it starts with us, and we need to show what we can do. If we’re going to do it, we’re both going to do it. The group is going to follow.”
The upcoming schedule offers the Lakers a chance to solidify new roles, with eight of their next 10 games against opponents currently below .500. For James, the objective remains straightforward: identify roster gaps and fill them until Reaves returns.
Source: LakersNation.com
