Austin Reaves made Los Angeles Lakers history with a career-best performance, dropping 45 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a 124-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers. His incredible effort placed him in elite company, joining Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis as the only Lakers in the last 20 years to score 45+ points in a game.
With LeBron and Luka Doncic both sidelined, Reaves took on the primary scoring load, leading the team to their fifth straight win.
Reaves was the heart of the Lakers’ offense, delivering 14 points in the fourth quarter to fend off the Pacers’ comeback attempt. His shooting efficiency was remarkable, going 14-of-26 from the field, 4-of-9 from three, and a perfect 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. Not only did he put up a massive scoring total, but he also contributed seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, showcasing his all-around impact.
The highlight of the game came in the final minutes when Reaves stole the ball and finished with a thunderous dunk, electrifying the Crypto.com Arena crowd. The performance was a defining moment in his career, proving that he is more than just a role player—he is a legitimate offensive weapon for the Lakers.
Over the past two decades, only three other Lakers have recorded a game with 45 or more points. LeBron James has accomplished this feat an impressive seven times, including three instances where he surpassed the 50-point mark. His ability to dominate offensively has been a defining trait of his tenure with the Lakers.
Anthony Davis has also delivered standout scoring performances, reaching 45+ points on three occasions. Twice, he exceeded the 50-point threshold, showcasing his offensive versatility and dominance in the paint.
However, no one comes close to the late, great Kobe Bryant, the ultimate Lakers scorer. Bryant holds an incredible record of 46 games with at least 45 points, including 25 performances where he surpassed 50 points. His scoring legacy also features a 60+ point game and the iconic 81-point masterpiece, cementing his place among the greatest scorers in NBA history.
For Reaves to join this Hall of Fame-level group speaks volumes about his development and offensive prowess. He continues to prove that he belongs among the best young guards in the league.
The Lakers, playing without LeBron James (ankle soreness) and Luka Doncic (calf strain), needed someone to step up, and Reaves did exactly that. The Lakers opened the game with a dominant 44-point first quarter, setting the tone early. While the Pacers fought back, the Lakers relied on Reaves’ heroics to close the game.
Aside from Reaves, Rui Hachimura contributed 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Trey Jemison III provided 8 points off the bench. Jaxson Hayes controlled the paint with nine points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks, proving that the Lakers still have depth and resilience even without their stars.
This game was yet another milestone in what has been a breakout season for Reaves. With Doncic now on the team, his role may change, but performances like this prove he is ready to step up in big moments. The Lakers now sit at 31-19, riding a five-game winning streak, and they appear poised for a deep playoff run.
With LeBron and Luka set to return soon, Reaves’ performance is a reminder that the Lakers have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league. If he continues to play at this level, Los Angeles will have one of the most dangerous three-headed monsters in the NBA.
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