Lakers Close Road Swing With 125-109 Victory Over Nets in Austin Reaves’ Comeback
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The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their season-long seven-game road trip on Tuesday night with a 125-109 win against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Guard Austin Reaves appeared for the first time since suffering a calf injury on Dec. 19, entering from the bench under a minutes restriction. Even in limited action, the third-year guard scored early, finishing the night with several key baskets and highlight assists.
Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Jake LaRavia sparked a 26-11 opening surge by turning defense into transition points. Doncic’s back-to-back step-back threes forced the Nets to burn an early timeout, and Los Angeles led 45-23 after one quarter.
The Lakers extended the margin to 38 in the second period as Reaves found his rhythm, knocking down two straight shots and lofting an off-glass alley-oop to James for a breakaway dunk. Los Angeles carried a 69-40 advantage into halftime.
Head coach JJ Redick started Reaves in place of LaRavia to open the third quarter, helping the guard log his remaining minutes before the game’s final stretch. Brooklyn trimmed the deficit late in the frame, but the Lakers still led 100-74 heading to the fourth.
A quick burst restored a 30-point cushion early in the final quarter, allowing Los Angeles to empty the bench and cruise to its 30th win of the season, improving to 30-19.
Up Next
With the road trip complete, the Lakers return to Crypto.com Arena for games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks before the All-Star break.
Source: LakersNation.com
