Austin Reaves Scores Career-High 51, Leads Injury-Hit Lakers Over Kings
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The Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of both LeBron James and Luka Dončić on Sunday night, riding a career-best performance from Austin Reaves to defeat the Sacramento Kings 127-120 at Golden 1 Center.
Reaves, handed full control of the offense with Dončić sidelined for at least a week due to finger and leg injuries, poured in 51 points while adding 11 rebounds and nine assists. The third-year guard scored at all three levels and punished Sacramento at the free-throw line to secure Los Angeles’ second straight win to open the 2025-26 campaign.
Center Deandre Ayton supplied a strong two-way effort, finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Forward Rui Hachimura contributed 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting along with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Kings threatened late, but Reaves scored repeatedly in the second half to keep Sacramento at arm’s length. His 51 points mark the highest single-game total by a Laker this season.
Up Next
Los Angeles returns to Crypto.com Arena on Monday for the back end of the back-to-back, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers.
Source: Lakers Nation
