In the first five games of the season, Austin Reaves has carried the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense almost single-handedly in the absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. It’s a new role for AR, but he seems to have adjusted incredibly well.
In the Lakers’ 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, Reaves was everywhere. He scored 28 and dished out 16 assists, tying his career-high. And the guard ended the game with his buzzer-beating floater, winning the purple and gold their third game of the season.
This performance came after a 51-point explosion against the Kings and a 41-point game against the Trailblazers. Clearly, Reaves is enjoying leading the team, but he also seems to have had enough.
The 27-year-old wants James and Doncic back on the team. He admitted to it on national television after the win against the Timberwolves in Target Center.
When asked in the post-match interview what Doncic or Bron would say to him after his game-winner, Reaves said he would face criticism since he missed quite a few shots leading up to the moment. But he got serious right after, stating, “Get back my brother, and LeBron, everybody get back.”
Reaves’ statement is not an attempt to shy away from the spotlight. In fact, he’s thriving at the moment. But even Reaves knows that carrying the Lakers to glory singlehandedly won’t be possible.
With Doncic, James, and an in-form Reaves as the third scoring option, this purple and gold side could be unstoppable. Head coach JJ Reddick, however, knows that he has to make do with what he has now.
Reddick is counting on Reaves as his No.1 option. Even before the 2025-26 season kicked off, he began preparing the guard for such an eventuality, telling him to treat the Lakers as his team.
“It’s as much Austin’s team as it is LeBron’s team or Luka’s team. I told him he’s out of excuses. You’re no longer the undrafted guy who’s a young player. You’re one of the guys now,” Reddick recalled telling Reaves.
Thankfully for the Lakers, Doncic’s injury isn’t too serious. The Slovenian has a finger sprain and a leg contusion, and is set to be re-evaluated next week. It shouldn’t be a long absence unless something unforeseen takes shape.
The same cannot be said about James. The 40-year-old is reportedly suffering from sciatica and may be out for as long as another month, if not more.
