Austin Reaves’ 51-Point Outburst Lifts Short-Handed Lakers Over Kings
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Sacramento, Calif. — Guard Austin Reaves delivered a career-best performance Sunday night, scoring 51 points to push the Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings, 127-120, at Golden 1 Center.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined by injuries, the undrafted third-year guard became the focal point of the offense. Reaves shot efficiently and added 11 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and only two turnovers as Los Angeles improved to 2-0 on its current road swing.
“I just want to win,” Reaves said after the game. “I’m not out there trying to get 50. If we’d lost, it wouldn’t feel the same.”
The 25-year-old’s scoring binge joins franchise record books alongside legends such as Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain and Magic Johnson. Reaves acknowledged the company but remained modest, noting his journey from a two-way contract to a starting role: “I’m an undrafted guy who got an opportunity. I’m not supposed to be doing this.”
Los Angeles led 99-95 entering the fourth quarter before Reaves sealed the win with three late three-pointers. The Kings were paced by De’Aaron Fox’s 34 points but could not overcome Reaves’ output.
Both James and Doncic praised Reaves on social media shortly after the final buzzer, celebrating the victory from afar while continuing their rehab.
The Lakers continue their trip Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Source: Lakers Nation
