No Luka, no LeBron – no problem: Reaves takes over for the Lakers

It must be true that some things are contagious. The Lakers certainly seemed to believe it, feeling both relief and delight after Sunday’s events. Early in the day, Pacific Time, came bad news: Luka Doncic will be out for at least a week – hopefully no longer – after suffering two simultaneous setbacks, a damaged finger on his left hand and a contusion on his left leg. His absence joins that of LeBron James, who’s expected to make his season debut toward the end of November, and center Jaxson Hayes, who remains unavailable. With that gloomy picture, few would have predicted a Lakers win in their visit to Sacramento. But one factor was missing from the equation – Austin Reaves – and one mission was clear: erase the doubts and play the best game of his life. Mission accomplished.

Reaves rises as the unexpected savior

In the first two games of the season, Reaves had looked settled as the team’s secondary option. Doncic even deferred possessions to help him stay comfortable in that role. But Luka is Luka – scoring 92 points across those two outings (43 against the Warriors and 49 against the Timberwolves) to open the year in full MVP rhythm. Impossible to replace, or so it seemed. Then Reaves stepped up.

The shooting guard, well aware that he’s among the Lakers’ most tradeable players due to salary structure, put on a personal masterpiece and carried the team to a 127–120 win over the Kings. Supported by Deandre Ayton (22 points) and Rui Hachimura (18), he played freely and creatively. The result? A career-high 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists – one shy of a triple-double – on 12-for-22 shooting from the field and an astounding 21-for-22 from the line.

Finding his place among stars

The question of how to fit Reaves into a lineup heavy with ball-dominant players has long hovered over the Lakers. He knows it isn’t easy to coexist with two all-timers like Doncic and James, especially for a guard who thrives by driving to the rim and initiating plays. But with both superstars sidelined, he found his opening and kicked the door wide open – proving he can lead and that the Lakers can win with him as the focal point. It was a statement game, a clenched-fist response on the road, and a reminder that there’s more than one way to lead this team.

Kings caught off guard

Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook, who both scored 18, must have watched in awe. They know better than anyone how hard it is to survive as the Lakers’ elusive “third man.” Reaves not only exposed Sacramento’s defensive flaws but made them pay. Zach LaVine led the Kings with 32 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 21 and Domantas Sabonis grabbed 14 rebounds – yet both underperformed when it mattered. Doug Christie’s team, now under .500 after three games, showed a short rotation and tired legs; even eighth man Cardwell logged just 13 minutes.

The Kings made the mistake of leaving Reaves open at the worst possible times. In nearly 40 minutes on court, he played with remarkable control – only two turnovers – and then sprinkled in moments of pure brilliance. Early in the fourth quarter, with Sacramento briefly taking the lead, Reaves answered personally with three three-pointers in two minutes. He saw the problem and provided the solution. His teammates followed his lead, and that’s what leadership looks like on the court. For the Lakers, that’s monumental news – and it might just change everything.

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