Austin Reaves delivered a career-best performance, scoring 38 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a nail-biting 102-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. LeBron James added 29 points, and the Lakers held firm in the final moments to secure their second consecutive win.
Reaves was sensational throughout the game, shooting 13-for-23 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. He stepped up in the clutch, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter, including three pivotal 3-pointers. His alley-oop to James on a fast break with 2:32 remaining gave the Lakers a 102-95 lead, which ultimately proved to be their last basket of the game.
The Nets, looking to rebound from a humiliating 126-67 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday, nearly pulled off a comeback. D’Angelo Russell, facing his former team for the first time since being traded, scored 19 points and had a chance to win it for Brooklyn. However, his 3-point attempt, with 2.6 seconds left, was missed, and James secured the rebound to seal the victory for Los Angeles.
Brooklyn’s bench provided a bright spot, outscoring the Lakers’ reserves 49-15. Russell, Zaire Williams (15 points), and Tosan Evbuomwan (15 points) led the charge for the Nets. Jalen Wilson added 11 points off the bench as Brooklyn showed resilience despite falling short.
The Lakers were without Anthony Davis, who sat out with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Jaxson Hayes started in his place, contributing six points and nine rebounds. Reaves and James shouldered the offensive load despite Davis’ absence, combining for more than half of the team’s points.
The Lakers’ efficiency in the fourth quarter was key, as they shot 12-for-19 from the field, including five 3-pointers. The win keeps Los Angeles trending upward and we have a grade for each Lakers player.
Austin Reaves: A+
Stats: 38 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 3 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 13-23 FG, 4-8 3PT, 8-8 FT, +1, 37 MIN
Reaves delivered a career-best 38 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc and a perfect 8-of-8 from the line. His clutch 15-point fourth quarter, highlighted by three triples and a key alley-oop to LeBron, was instrumental in the Lakers’ victory. Reaves showcased his scoring ability and poise in high-pressure moments.
LeBron James: A
Stats: 29 PTS, 7 REB (1 OREB, 6 DREB), 8 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 5 TO, 2 PF, 12-17 FG, 4-6 3PT, 1-2 FT, -11, 35 MIN
James contributed 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, displaying his usual all-around brilliance. His efficient 12-of-17 shooting and 4-of-6 from three-point range kept the Lakers in control for much of the game. Despite 5 turnovers and a -11 plus/minus, his leadership and late-game rebound secured the win.
Gabe Vincent: B-
Stats: 10 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 3 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 4-8 FG, 1-5 3PT, 1-2 FT, 0, 29 MIN
Vincent chipped in 10 points and 3 assists, providing timely defensive contributions with 2 steals and 2 blocks. His shooting (4-of-8 overall) was solid, though his 1-of-5 from deep limited his offensive impact.
Rui Hachimura: C+
Stats: 10 PTS, 6 REB (3 OREB, 3 DREB), 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 4-10 FG, 1-4 3PT, 1-1 FT, +3, 32 MIN
Rui Hachimura added 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. While his efficiency (4-of-10 from the field) was average, he provided steady support on both ends. His physicality on the boards and solid playmaking boosted the team in critical moments.
Max Christie: C+
Stats: 7 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 2-13 FG, 2-8 3PT, 1-2 FT, 0, 33 MIN
Christie scored 7 points with 3 assists and 3 rebounds but struggled mightily from the field, shooting 2-of-13 overall and 2-of-8 from deep. Despite his offensive woes, his effort and energy were evident, and he contributed positively on defense.
Jaxson Hayes: C+
Stats: 6 PTS, 9 REB (1 OREB, 8 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 3-7 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +9, 33 MIN
Hayes stepped in for the injured Anthony Davis and grabbed 9 rebounds to go with 6 points. While his offensive impact was limited (3-of-7 shooting), his defensive presence and effort on the glass helped fill the void left by Davis.
Dalton Knecht: C
Stats: 2 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-4 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-3 FT, +6, 18 MIN
Knecht scored 2 points and grabbed 1 rebound in 18 minutes. He struggled offensively, going 0-of-4 from the field and 0-of-3 from three, but his +6 plus/minus reflected a positive overall impact in limited minutes.
Trey Jemison III: C
Stats: 0 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -6, 15 MIN
Jemison’s defense stood out, as he recorded 2 blocks and 4 rebounds. However, his offensive contributions were nonexistent, and his 4 fouls in 15 minutes limited his effectiveness.
Shake Milton: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +3, 7 MIN
Milton played just 7 minutes, recording 1 assist without attempting a shot. His brief stint provided little opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
