The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a big win against the Toronto Raptors, as LeBron James made the pass to Rui Hachimura in the corner for the game-winning 3-pointer. Though Hachimura saved the day, it was Austin Reaves who kept the Lakers in it from beginning to end, and he finished the game with 44 points, five rebounds, and ten assists.
He had to put the team on his back, as Luka Doncic was out due to the birth of his new child, but that was no problem for the Lakers. When Doncic has been out this season, Reaves has stepped up his game and is averaging over 40 points in those four games.
Reaves was told about his average when Doncic is out, and he had a message for his teammate.
“He might be asleep right now. Luka, please hurry back,” Reaves said.
"You tip your hat to a guy that just cares about winning and making the right play, that's what he's done his whole career."
Austin Reaves (44 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST) talks to the media after the #Lakers 123-120 win in Toronto over the Raptors. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/m0GgcWGJMI
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 5, 2025
The Lakers have been a well-oiled machine this season, and it's been because of the play of Reaves and Doncic. Reaves has improved his game every season, but this year, he has taken things to a new level. Through 18 games, Reaves is averaging 28.9 points, and there should be no doubt that he's an All-Star this season if he keeps playing like that.
With Reaves and Doncic, the Lakers have stayed near the top of the Western Conference standings, and they've done it mostly without LeBron James, who seems to still be getting into game shape after missing the start of the season. The good news is that they don't have to rely on James for their success like it has been since he's been on the Lakers, and they're figuring things out with the talent they have around him.
It will be interesting to see how far the Lakers can go this season, but as long as Reaves and Doncic are on the floor, they should be in good shape.
