If you’re unfamiliar with Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves, check out the rising star’s hour-long highlight reel released by the NBA. LeBron James gave him major props, too.
In an important win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, Reaves posted his best performance yet, dropping a career-high 35 points, six assists and six rebounds in 30 minutes.
Reaves shot a career-high 18 free throws and scored the Lakers’ last 10 points—enough to receive “MVP” chants from the crowd at the Lakers Crypto.com Arena.
The undrafted 24-year-old showcased Los Angeles’ depth, as his 35 points surpassed D’Angelo Russell’s 18 and more than doubled Anthony Davis’ 15. With James missing the past 11 games with a foot injury, someone on the playoff-fringe Lakers had to step up.
The win now slots Los Angeles (35-37) into the play-in tournament as the 10-seed.
“The King” tweeted his excitement with Reaves’ clutch performance.
Growing up a Lakers fan, Reaves described his rise to fame in Los Angeles as “surreal.”
“I think all the odds were stacked against me from where I’m from … it’s special,” Reaves said postgame, referencing his small-town childhood.
Reaves is averaging 12 points, three rebounds and 2.9 assists and shooting 51.8% from the field.
For the Lakers to maintain their playoff position in the competitive West, he may have to keep this up awhile.
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