NBA

Austin Reaves joins LeBron James as only Lakers with this record in the 21st century

By
James Foglio
Author photo
James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

All posts by James Foglio
Sports Editor

Updated10 hours ago on April 27, 2024

Disclosure
We independently review everything we recommend based on our strict editorial guidelines. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn More
Austin Reaves joins LeBron James as only Los Angeles Lakers with this record in the 21st century points

Austin Reaves joined LeBron James as the only Los Angeles Lakers players to record at least 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists with under two turnovers in the 21st century, during Monday night’s 128-124 double-overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Reaves, 25, amassed 29 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks, and one turnover in a career-high 47 minutes of action. The third-year guard also finished 10-of-20 (50%) shooting from the field, 4-of-11 (36.4%) from 3-point range, and 5-of-6 (83.3%) at the foul line.

Per multiple NBA betting sites, the Lakers hold ninth-shortest odds to win the championship. Sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks.


Despite trailing by 19 points in the fourth quarter and never leading in regulation, the Lakers clawed their way back to force overtime. In double overtime, Reaves made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 38.6 seconds left. Anthony Davis added 34 points and 23 rebounds while playing a career-high 52 minutes.

“It was one of those moments that you could either flip the page to tomorrow, get ready for that game or you could go out and compete 110% and give yourself an opportunity or at least try to give yourself an opportunity to get back in the game,” said Reaves, who posted his second career triple-double.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves is averaging career highs of 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds per game this season

More importantly, the Lakers won without LeBron James, who was downgraded to out because of a lingering left ankle injury. James also had missed Los Angeles’ 123-122 victory over the Bucks on March 8.

Of course, Milwaukee outscored the Lakers 32-16 in the opening quarter.

“A 20-point lead in this league now, it’s nothing because of the way the offense is right now in the league. [It’s] so high-powered that you can wipe away a lead pretty fast,” Davis said.


Through 72 games (47 starts) this season, Reaves is averaging career highs of 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 32 minutes per contest. Plus, he’s shooting 49.1% from the floor, 37.7% from deep, and 86% at the line.

In Los Angeles’ 114-105 victory against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 1, the guard scored 32 points on 10-of-18 (55.6%) shooting from the field and a career-best seven 3-pointers on 10 attempts (70%).

The Lakers visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.