Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Austin Reaves joins Lakers legends Kobe Bryant, LeBron James after his career-high performance

Reaves is also the sixth player for the franchise to record at least 45 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in one game.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Austin Reaves produced a career-high performance on Saturday which was achieved by legends like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. The Lakers guard scored a career-high 45 points for the Lakers, who played without their star player, Lebron James and newly acquired star Luka Doncic due to injury.

The short-handed Lakers were led by Austin Reaves, who finished with 45 points and set a franchise record. Reaves is the first player for the Lakers to join Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the last 20 years to record 45 or more points.

“It looks weird when you see my name up there,” Reaves shared his happiness after joining franchise legends.

Austin Reaves joins Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, & Anthony Davis as the only Lakers to score 45+ points over the last 20 years ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ymKV0wFSce
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 9, 2025

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Austin Reaves surpasses Kobe Bryant in franchise record

Los Angeles Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers on Saturday’s matchup. LeBron James, who had a record-breaking 40-point performance against the Warriors, sat out with knee soreness. Luka Doncic’s debut was also delayed due to the recovery process. However, Reaves took the charge and helped the Lakers to secure a 124-118 win.

The third-year guard is also the youngest Lakers player to get 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game since Kobe Bryant did so in 2006, according to ESPN.

Laker legends 🔥

Austin Reaves is the youngest Laker since Kobe (2005) to post 40/5/5 👏 pic.twitter.com/cwEhtFbCWZ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 9, 2025

Austin Reaves is also the sixth player for the franchise to record at least 45 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in one game. He joined Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

The former Wichita State student tallied a career-high 45 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He shot 14-of-26 from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. Reaves made four 3-pointers and went 13 of 13 from the free-throw line. The Pacers failed to take advantage against a new-look Lakers.

The Lakers guard is averaging 19.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season. He reached the 30-point mark for the third time this season. Meanwhile, Reaves got valuable support from birthday boy, Rui Hachimura, who scored 24 points and nine rebounds. Gabe Vincent added 12 points and seven assists, while Jaxson Hayes had 12 rebounds and two blocks.

Los Angeles Lakers are one game behind the Denver Nuggets and 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies in the West. They will take on Utah Jazz next and it could be the debut game for Luka Doncic.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.