Austin Reaves has quickly developed a close friendship with Luka Dončić, despite having been teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers for less than nine months. The two share a hilarious banter on and off the court, with Reaves recently clowning Dončić after he missed a free throw during their 127-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. That miss left Dončić just one point shy of his first 50-point game as a member of the Purple and Gold.
On Sunday night, with Dončić sidelined for a week due to multiple injuries, the responsibility fell on Reaves to lead the Lakers’ offense against the Sacramento Kings. Rising to the occasion, Reaves delivered the best performance of his career so far: 51 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. He shot efficiently—12-of-22 from the field, 6-of-10 from three-point range, and an impressive 21-of-22 from the free-throw line.
But it wasn’t without its moments of pressure. Reaves admitted feeling the weight at the charity stripe as he approached the 50-point mark. “I ain’t gonna lie, I went to the free throw line with 23 seconds left and the game basically over in favor of the Lakers,” he said. The Kings, attempting a last-ditch comeback, fouled him intentionally. Reaves managed to sink both free throws, becoming just the fifth Laker since 2000 to score over 50 points, joining legends LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Anthony Davis.
Despite their constant playful jabs at each other, Dončić is surely celebrating Reaves’ milestone and the victory he helped secure. With the Lakers shorthanded, Reaves took charge and willed his team to a much-needed win.
### Austin Reaves and the Lakers Dominate from the Foul Line
The Lakers came into Sunday’s game playing with house money, clearly showing they had nothing to lose. Reaves was exceptionally aggressive, drawing 22 free throws and channeling his inner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the process. As a team, the Lakers shot brilliantly from the foul line, converting 41 of 46 attempts—an 89.1 percent rate.
This stellar free-throw shooting was vital, especially considering the Kings’ dominance from beyond the arc. Sacramento made 18 three-pointers compared to just eight by the Lakers, outscoring them by 30 points from deep. Yet, thanks to their accuracy and Reaves’ standout performance at the line, the Lakers were able to hold on and secure the victory.
Austin Reaves’ breakout game not only demonstrated his scoring prowess but also showcased his ability to lead and inspire the Lakers in Luka Dončić’s absence. The chemistry and camaraderie between the two stars promise exciting moments ahead for the Purple and Gold.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-austin-reaves-luka-doncic-joke-nearly-backfires-51-point-masterclass-kings
