Reaves averaged 27.9 points, 8.3 assists and 6.6 rebounds in nine games without James during the 2024-25 season. When both James and Doncic were sidelined, those numbers jumped to 31.5 points, 10.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds. That production has made him one of the league’s most reliable secondary scorers.

In a postgame interview Reaves revealed that his day began with a text to Dončić about a Dak Prescott interception. The two then went back and forth before his teammate told him he wanted him to score 60 against the Kings.

Sunday's 51-point night wasn't the first time Reaves found himself in rare air. It probably won't be the last, either.

Hours before the Los Angeles Lakers were set to take on the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, they received some bad news. Luka Doncic will miss at least a week of NBA action with multiple injuries. Considering his hot start to the season,

Without Luka Doncic or LeBron James, the undrafted shooting guard decided to go off with an unexpected 51-point masterpiece.

Lakers trade idea sends Austin Reaves to Western Conference foe originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Austin Reaves has been fun to watch in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.