Austin Reaves Drops 51 Points as Undermanned Lakers Edge Kings 127-120
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Playing without injured stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers leaned on a career night from Austin Reaves to secure a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Golden 1 Center.
Reaves poured in a personal-best 51 points while collecting 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, helping Los Angeles claim its second straight win and first road triumph of the young season.
The Lakers opened with a 36-27 first quarter behind six quick points from Rui Hachimura and active interior play by Deandre Ayton. Defensive stops led to transition opportunities as Los Angeles built an early cushion.
Sacramento answered in the second period. Former Laker Russell Westbrook energized the Kings, and DeMar DeRozan’s scoring surge produced the home team’s first lead. Reaves responded with a three-pointer and a floater, finishing the half with 21 points, but the game was knotted at 62 heading into intermission.
Ayton started the third quarter with consecutive baskets, yet the Lakers’ depth took another hit when Gabe Vincent rolled his ankle and was ruled out. Reaves compensated by repeatedly reaching the foul line, and Los Angeles closed the period ahead 95-90.
With Reaves briefly resting to begin the fourth, Sacramento strung together an 11-2 run. The guard’s return flipped momentum once more; he sparked an 8-0 burst and later teamed with Ayton in pick-and-roll action. Jake LaRavia’s late three-pointer pushed the margin to double digits, and Reaves sealed the contest at the stripe after the Kings closed within three in the final minute.
Ayton supported the effort with 22 points, while Hachimura added 14. The Kings were led by DeRozan and Westbrook, but their rally fell short as Los Angeles improved to 2-1.
The Lakers return home Monday to face the Portland Trail Blazers before visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Source: LakersNation.com
