Luka Doncic and LeBron James were left stunned after Austin Reaves came up big to help the LA Lakers hold off the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite nearly giving away a 20-point lead.
The Los Angeles Lakers held on to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, moving to 3-2 early in the NBA season.
With both Luka Doncic and LeBron James sidelined, Austin Reaves stepped up once again, adding another strong performance to his growing reputation as a leader for this team.
Reaves had already turned heads with a 51-point outburst against the Kings earlier in the week. He didn’t put up those same numbers tonight but still played an important role in helping LA secure another win.
“That was all confidence,” Lakers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said about the buzzer-beater. “We trust him with those moments because we see how hard he works every day. He’s earned that right.”
LeBron James and Luka Doncic react to Austin Reaves’ buzzer-beater for the Lakers
After Austin Reaves hit a game-winner at the buzzer to seal the LA Lakers’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James and Luka Doncic made sure to give him his due.
Luka kept it simple, responding with a GOAT emoji, but that said enough about how much respect there is between the two.
Reaves is thriving even without LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the lineup. It’s going to be worth watching what he can do once they’re back on the floor together for the Lakers.
Early season form has Austin Reaves entering All-Star discussion
Reaves has stepped up as the primary option for the Lakers, averaging 40 points, 10 assists, and 5.3 rebounds over his last three games.
The absence of their two main stars has given him room to grow, with Doncic even encouraging Reaves to take on a bigger role during his time away from the court.
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His offseason work is starting to show. With free agency coming up this summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise if keeping him became one of LA’s top priorities.
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