Reaves averaged 27.9 points, 8.3 assists and 6.6 rebounds in nine games without James during the 2024-25 season. When both James and Doncic were sidelined, those numbers jumped to 31.5 points, 10.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds. That production has made him one of the league’s most reliable secondary scorers.

Austin Reaves erupted for 51 points as the Lakers beat the Kings 127-120, stepping up big in LeBron James’ absence.

Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James congratulated Austin Reaves on his career night against the Sacramento Kings.

While no NBA team—and certainly not one with a legacy as rich as the Los Angeles Lakers'—hangs a banner for a 2-1 start, the Purple and Gold should be generally pleased with how they've opened the new campaign.

The Los Angeles Lakers entered Sunday night’s road matchup against the Sacramento Kings without their two best players: LeBron James remained out with sciatica, while Luka Dončić was sidelined with a finger sprain and lower left leg contusion.

Austin Reaves certainly felt as though the past 24 hours were night and day as the Lakers alternated a win and a loss.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be playing only their fourth game of the 2025-26 NBA season on Monday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers, and they're already very short-handed. LeBron James has been out for the last couple of weeks due to sciatica,