Lakers’ Austin Reaves Erupts for 51 Points as Injured Stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic Applaud Online
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Oct. 26, 2025 — Guard Austin Reaves produced a career-high 51 points at Golden 1 Center, steering the Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings while both LeBron James and Luka Doncic watched from the bench.
The Lakers withheld Doncic before tip-off because of finger and leg injuries; the club said he will be re-evaluated in one week. James remains sidelined with an undisclosed issue, leaving Reaves to guide a roster already hit by absences.
Reaves controlled the offense throughout the night, repeatedly reaching the free-throw line and converting from long range to secure the victory. After the final buzzer, James celebrated on X, writing, “50 piece nugget!!!!! That boy AR TOOOO TOUGH!!” Minutes later he added, “Damn that’s crazy we almost had back to back 50 balls. Damnit Don! Sick back court!”
Doncic offered his own endorsement on Instagram, sharing a post that signaled approval of Reaves’ performance.
The outburst underscored Reaves’ expanded role as primary scorer and playmaker with the Lakers’ two All-Stars unavailable. Los Angeles faces the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back as the club seeks to navigate a favorable early-season schedule until its marquee players return.
Source: LakersNation.com
