Austin Reaves delivered a career performance Sunday, pouring in 51 points to push the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings. With Luka Doncic sidelined for roughly a week by a finger sprain and leg contusion and LeBron James still rehabbing sciatica, the fifth-year guard added 11 rebounds and nine assists in the victory.
“I wasn’t out there thinking, ‘You have to score 50,’” Reaves said afterward. “It was, ‘Do whatever you can to help the team win.’” Teammate Jarred Vanderbilt had told him on the team bus that Los Angeles would need 50 points, and Reaves became the 12th player in franchise history to reach the mark. He previously logged 45- and 37-point outings last season when both Doncic and James were unavailable.
Head coach JJ Redick emphasized the significance of the result. “For this group, it’s important to know you can win a basketball game without those two guys,” he said.
Ayton’s Best Night in Purple and Gold
Newly signed center Deandre Ayton turned in his strongest effort since arriving in Los Angeles, finishing with 22 points and 15 rebounds in 36 minutes. The former No. 1 pick is averaging 15.7 points on 62.9 percent shooting through the early part of the season.
“This team, no matter who’s on the floor, we’re going to come out and play hard as hell,” Ayton said. Earlier in the week, Doncic and Reaves worked with him in practice to sharpen their pick-and-roll timing. Ayton admitted he can be “a confusing big” because he attacks in several different ways as a roll man.
Vincent Leaves With Ankle Injury
Guard Gabe Vincent exited early in the second half after turning his ankle. He left the arena in a walking boot, but X-rays were negative, according to the team.
The Lakers continue their homestand later this week while monitoring the statuses of Doncic, James and Vincent.
Source: Hoops Rumors
