The Los Angeles Lakers were coming off a huge win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, with Luka Doncic continuing his stellar start to the season by following up his 43-point effort on opening night with a 49-point masterpiece in a 128-110 win over the Timberwolves. However, Doncic suffered multiple injuries during that contest that would keep him out for at least a week — putting the already shorthanded Lakers in a tougher position.
But on Sunday night, Austin Reaves took it upon himself to carry the Lakers as he inched closer towards superstardom. Even though the Lakers were missing both Doncic and LeBron James, with the latter still recovering from nerve problems in his back, Reaves made sure that the Purple and Gold stayed on the winning track. He put up a bonkers career-high of 51 points in a 127-120 win over division rival Sacramento Kings, as he left Sacramento's defense rather helpless at every turn.
Reaves has blossomed into a full-blown superstar, and this is simply the latest piece of evidence pointing towards that fact. The Kings may not be the best opposition, but to go on the road and score 51 and make mincemeat of Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook's defense is a mark of someone who has taken the leap. And what better way for the Lakers to punctuate Reaves' career night than with a huge win.
“All that matters is that we won,” Reaves said with a huge smile on his face during his postgame interview with Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet. “We got another tough one tomorrow night. Quick turnaround. We'll be right back at it.”
(Fast forward to 1:20.)
"All that matters is that we won."
Austin Reaves (51 PTS, 11 REB, 9 AST) talks with @LakersReporter after his career-night, leading the #LakeShow to a 127-120 win in Sacramento against the Kings. pic.twitter.com/jqGBTxucYX
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 27, 2025
Reaves became just the fifth player in a Lakers uniform to score over 50 since the turn of the century, joining LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and Anthony Davis — a feat that he doesn't take lightly.
“I don't deserve all that. I grew up watching all those guys. I ain't got no words,” Reaves added.
"It means a lot. We play basketball for those moments… I don't deserve all that… I ain't got no words."
Austin Reaves on joining elite company as the fifth Laker this century to notch 50 or more points in a game 🙌
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/fGzTsEkPUw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 27, 2025
Austin Reaves completes leap to superstardom for the Lakers
Reaves began his career as a Laker all the way from Summer League; coaches were impressed with his hustle and ability to be a glue guy on offense. But Reaves has blossomed into a major force all unto himself, and he might be in for his first All-Star season if he keeps up this kind of incredible play.
Of course, it will be impossible for him to score 50 every night. But the Lakers will need him to step up in a similar fashion as they await the return of both Doncic and James.
