Austin Reaves Keeps Lakers Rolling as Doncic Nears Return

The Los Angeles Lakers have managed to stay competitive despite the absence of two of their biggest stars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James. That stability has come largely through the breakout performances of Austin Reaves, who has stepped up as the team’s offensive leader in recent games. His scoring spree and late-game heroics have provided both excitement and relief for fans worried about the team’s health and depth.

On Wednesday night, Reaves capped off an impressive week by hitting a buzzer-beater to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves. The shot sealed another win for a Lakers team trying to keep pace in the Western Conference standings while waiting for its superstars to recover. Reaves’ surge has given Los Angeles a much-needed spark amid the uncertainty.

The Lakers’ injury woes have been significant, but Reaves’ emergence has softened the blow. He’s averaged over 40 points per game in his last three outings, showing both poise and confidence as the team’s de facto first option. His consistency has transformed him from a complementary player into a focal point of the Lakers’ offense.

Still, the question looming over Los Angeles is how long they’ll need to rely on Reaves. With Doncic nearing a possible return and James still sidelined, the Lakers’ immediate future depends on how quickly their stars can get back to full strength—and how seamlessly Reaves can adapt once they do.

1. Injury Updates Bring Hope

The Lakers received encouraging news Thursday when Luka Doncic was upgraded to questionable for Friday night’s NBA Cup matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. The update, first reported by ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, suggests Doncic could return sooner than anticipated. The guard has been nursing both a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion, which have kept him out of the lineup in recent games. Joining Doncic on the injury report is Marcus Smart, who has missed the past two contests with a right quad contusion but is also listed as questionable. The Lakers will, however, remain without LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and Aduo Thiero, all of whom continue to recover from longer-term injuries. James’ return timetable remains uncertain, as the veteran star continues to manage lingering leg issues. His absence, combined with Doncic’s recent setbacks, has tested the Lakers’ roster depth and flexibility. Even so, head coach Darvin Ham has praised his team’s resilience, highlighting Reaves’ leadership and the collective effort from role players stepping into larger responsibilities. “We’re finding ways to compete every night,” Ham said earlier this week. “That’s all you can ask from a group facing this much adversity.”

2. Reaves’ Breakout Stretch

Few could have predicted just how dominant Reaves would become once thrust into a primary scoring role. His recent stat lines tell the story: a 51-point explosion against the Sacramento Kings, a 41-point follow-up versus the Portland Trail Blazers, and a 28-point, 16-assist performance capped by a buzzer-beating shot against Minnesota. Reaves’ growth has not only been statistical—it’s been compositional. His ability to balance playmaking and scoring has made the Lakers’ offense more dynamic. He’s displayed strong court vision, efficient shot selection, and a knack for stepping up in high-pressure situations. His breakout has also sparked debate about what his role should be when Doncic and James return. Can the Lakers afford to scale back his offensive involvement after this stretch of dominance? Some analysts suggest keeping Reaves more involved in on-ball actions, even when the stars are healthy, to maintain offensive variety. For now, though, Reaves remains focused on helping the team win. “Whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll do it,” he said postgame Wednesday. “I’m just trying to make the right plays and keep us moving in the right direction.”

3. Looking Ahead

The Lakers will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at 9:30 PM ET, hoping to extend their momentum and possibly reintegrate Doncic into the rotation. Memphis, known for its physical defense, will provide a strong test for a Lakers squad that’s leaned heavily on Reaves’ offensive firepower. Los Angeles enters the matchup with renewed optimism. The combination of Reaves’ hot streak and Doncic’s improving status gives the team a sense of stability it has lacked in recent weeks. If Reaves continues to perform at a high level, the Lakers may emerge from this challenging stretch stronger and deeper than before. Still, the road ahead remains uncertain. James’ extended absence continues to loom large, and team chemistry will be tested once rotations shift again. How Ham balances the workload between Reaves, Doncic, and James upon their returns could determine the Lakers’ ceiling this season. For now, Los Angeles can take comfort in knowing that its supporting cast—led by Reaves—has proven capable of carrying the torch when its biggest stars are out.