SACRAMENTO — Following an exhilarating 127-120 victory against the Sacramento Kings, Austin Reaves found the game ball resting near his locker, a testament to his standout performance that saw him score 51 points while adding 11 rebounds and 9 assists. The atmosphere was electric, filled with celebration as the Lakers triumphed without their superstar duo, Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Reaves’ historic achievement places him among a select group of Lakers legends. An informal discussion revealed that only a handful of Lakers—such as Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal—have reached the 50-point mark in a game. On a broader scale, Reaves joined the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and James Harden as one of the few players to achieve the impressive stat line of 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists in a single game, elevating his status in NBA history.
“Me? Why me?” Reaves reflected on his unexpected ascendance. Despite believing in his own skills, he expressed disbelief at being mentioned in the same breath as such legendary players. His journey to this point is a remarkable testament to perseverance, starting from a small Arkansas town, where he faced challenges in securing opportunities due to his size and had to prove himself after going undrafted.
In a show of camaraderie and support, LeBron James shared Reaves’ achievement with his 52.3 million followers, calling it a “50-piece nugget.” Meanwhile, Dončić referred to him as the “Goat” to his own extensive audience.
This game was not a one-time occurrence; Reaves has consistently delivered exceptional performances. In his rookie season, he recorded a triple-double in his final game, a feat matched only by Blake Griffin and Oscar Robertson among first-year players. Furthermore, last season, he became the first Laker in over three decades to achieve a stat line of 45 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in a single game—a record long held by legends of the team.
Teammate Jarred Vanderbilt marveled at Reaves’ accomplishments, emphasizing his prowess in scoring from various positions on the court. Coach JJ Redick praised Reaves’ tenacity, noting how he thrives in competitive situations.
Reaves’ underdog narrative transformed when he participated in his first NBA mini-camp, where he quickly realized he could compete with established stars like James and Davis, which eventually led to the Lakers converting his two-way contract into a standard one.
Reflecting on his journey, Reaves maintains a humble perspective, often questioning his own brilliance despite the data backing his exceptional performances. His passion for basketball shines through, as he finds solace and joy in the game itself, indicating that perhaps his journey has led him precisely where he belongs.
Though still grappling with the magnitude of his achievements, Reaves has shown remarkable fortitude and adaptability. With the Lakers now looking towards a future with both Reaves and Dončić on the court, fans have every reason to remain optimistic about the road ahead. The team has shown resilience in the face of challenges, and with players like Reaves stepping up, the potential for success is promising.