Without Luka and LeBron, Austin Reaves has historic game against Kings

Luka Don?i? is officially a Laker

The Los Angeles Lakers introduced Luka Don?i? at a press conference, days after trading him for Anthony Davis.

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Dončić started the 2025-26 NBA regular season on a hot streak and now, he’ll miss at least a week of play due to an injury.

In his absence, one of his teammates stepped up and had a career high-scoring game. 

What we know:

Doncic had no problem stepping up for the Men in Purple and Gold amid LeBron James’ absence.

The international superstar scored 43 points in the Lakers’ home opener against Golden State and had 49 points against Minnesota. 

He then missed the Lakers third game of the season with a left finger sprain and a bruised lower left leg. He will be evacuated in about a week, ESPN reported. 

His teammate, Austin Reaves, answered the call Sunday night with 51 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. The Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 127-20 and are 2-1 going into Monday night’s game against Portland. 

Reaves is just the fourth player in the last 40 years with at least 50 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a game, joining Doncic, Russell Westbrook (twice) and James Harden (twice). The last time a Lakers player had 50-plus points, 11-plus rebounds and nine-plus assists was Feb. 13, 1963, when Elgin Baylor had 50 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists against the Boston Celtics.

Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Reaves finished with a career high 51 points. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

What's next:

The Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers at home Monday night at the Cryto.com Arena in downtown LA. 

While Doncic will be evaluated in a week, James is not expected back until mid-November.