Sacramento, CA – October 26, 2025 – Guard Austin Reaves exploded for a career-high 51 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. The Lakers, missing stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic due to injuries, relied on Reaves’ spectacular performance to secure their second win of the young NBA season.

Reaves, who took the lead role after Doncic was a late scratch with finger and lower-leg injuries, surpassed his previous career best of 45 points set in February against the Indiana Pacers. He narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 11 rebounds and nine assists, showcasing his all-around impact.

Game-Changing Fourth Quarter

The Lakers trailed 101-97 after Domantas Sabonis hit a 3-pointer with 9:50 left. Reaves sparked a dramatic 20-of-25 point surge for Los Angeles, flipping a four-point deficit into an 11-point lead (108-101) with just under nine minutes remaining. His three consecutive 3-pointers, punctuated by a basket from Deandre Ayton, triggered the flurry that the Kings never recovered from.

Additional contributions came from Rui Hachimura (18 points), Jake LaRavia (11 points, including a key 3-pointer), and Marcus Smart (11 points). Reaves’ late free throws, going 21-for-22 from the line, sealed the win despite a late surge from Sacramento led by Zach LaVine, who scored 32 points.

Key Stats and Standout Performances

Los Angeles Lakers:

• Austin Reaves: 51 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 6 three-pointers
• Deandre Ayton: 22 points, 15 rebounds
• Rui Hachimura: 18 points
• Jake LaRavia: 11 points
• Marcus Smart: 11 points

Sacramento Kings:

• Zach LaVine: 32 points
• Domantas Sabonis: 10 points, 14 rebounds
• Dennis Schroeder: 18 points, 12 assists
• DeMar DeRozan: 21 points
• Malik Monk: 15 points

Despite outscoring the Lakers 54-24 from beyond the arc, the Kings fell short, struggling to match Reaves’ late-game heroics and the Lakers’ dominance at the free-throw line.

Lakers Shine Without Stars

The victory underscores the Lakers’ depth, particularly in the absence of LeBron James, out with a back issue, and Luka Doncic, sidelined with injuries. Reaves’ career night proves that Los Angeles has multiple players capable of stepping up in high-pressure situations, giving fans hope for sustained success even without their superstars.

Other Notable NBA Action

• Victor Wembanyama scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat Brooklyn 118-107 to remain undefeated.
• Anthony Davis tallied 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead Dallas past Toronto 139-129.
• Kawhi Leonard added 30 points with 10 rebounds, and Ivica Zubac contributed 21 points as Los Angeles defeated Portland 114-107.
• Cade Cunningham scored 25 points in Detroit’s 119-113 home-opener win over Boston.
• LaMelo Ball posted a triple-double with 38 points as Charlotte overcame Washington 139-113.