LOS ANGELES-LeBron James had 11 points and 12 assists in the first game of his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, and Luka Doncic had 37 points and 10 assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, November 18 at Crypto. com Arena. 40-year-old James made his season debut in the Lakers’ starting lineup and played 30 minutes after missing training camp and their first 14 games due to sciatica. James didn’t take long to find the flow: He put on a playmaking clinic in the second half, and Doncic scored 17 points in the third quarter while the Lakers pulled away from Utah. Austin Reaves added 26 points as the Lakers improved to 11-4 with their third straight victory. One of the leagues best NBA teams so far. James made a driving layup in the third quarter to extend his streak of double-digit scoring performances to a record 1, 293 games every game in which he has played since Jan. 6, 2007. The four-time NBA champion didn’t score again, but the Lakers moved comfortably ahead. Bronny James played the final 3: 33 and hit a 3-pointer. The Jazz and Lakers will play on Sunday in Utah.
https://www.canyon-news.com/lebron-james-comes-back-in-victory-over-utah-jazz/
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Lakers’ Austin Reaves won’t play vs. Hawks due to groin injury
LeBron James is currently dealing with sciatica and has yet to suit up this season. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic has already missed four games due to finger and lower-body injuries. Adding to the Lakers’ woes, Austin Reaves is being ruled out for the third consecutive contest because of a right groin strain, according to NBA correspondent Marc Stein.
Despite these setbacks, the Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) are surging through adversity and climbing toward the top of the Western Conference standings. While it’s still early in the season for fans to get overly excited, there was a time when these key absences would have severely impacted the team’s performance.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has done an excellent job laying down a solid foundation that his players can rely on when challenges arise. Even though a skilled scorer and impactful playmaker like Austin Reaves will be out of action against the Atlanta Hawks (4-4) on Saturday, there is reason to believe the Lakers can still thrive.
The Hawks have their own injury concerns, as All-Star point guard Trae Young is recovering from a sprained MCL. Redick can also depend on Doncic to step up on offense if necessary. However, a healthy Austin Reaves remains integral to the Lakers’ championship hopes.
Reaves, 27, is currently averaging 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting, along with 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Beyond these impressive numbers, he has embraced his increased workload during LeBron James’ absence. If Reaves can maintain this outstanding form throughout the season, the undrafted native of Newark, Arkansas, is poised to sign a significant contract next summer—with a $14.8 million player option at the end of this season.
While Reaves is undoubtedly eager to return to the court, he will trust teammates like Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and the rest of the squad to secure a win in Atlanta.
Tip-off against the Hawks is scheduled for Saturday at approximately 8 p.m. ET.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-austin-reaves-wont-play-vs-hawks-groin-injury
Lakers’ Austin Reaves drops the mic with perfect reaction to 51-point stunner
The Los Angeles Lakers were coming off a huge win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, highlighted by Luka Doncic’s stellar start to the season. Doncic followed up his 43-point effort on opening night with a 49-point masterpiece in a 128-110 victory. However, during that contest, Doncic suffered multiple injuries that will sideline him for at least a week, putting the already shorthanded Lakers in an even tougher position.
But on Sunday night, Austin Reaves took it upon himself to carry the Lakers as he inched closer to superstardom. Even though the Lakers were missing both Doncic and LeBron James, with the latter still recovering from nerve problems in his back, Reaves ensured that the Purple and Gold stayed on the winning track.
Reaves put up a bonkers career-high 51 points in a 127-120 win over division rival Sacramento Kings. He left Sacramento’s defense helpless at every turn, showcasing his emergence as a full-blown superstar. This performance is the latest piece of evidence pointing toward that fact.
While the Kings may not be the toughest opposition, going on the road and scoring 51 points—dismantling defenders like Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook—is a mark of a player who has truly taken the leap. And what better way for the Lakers to cap off Reaves’ career night than with a huge win.
“All that matters is that we won,” Reaves said with a huge smile during his postgame interview with Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet. “We got another tough one tomorrow night. Quick turnaround. We’ll be right back at it.” (Fast forward to 1:20.)
Reaves became just the fifth player in a Lakers uniform to score over 50 points since the turn of the century, joining legends LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Anthony Davis—a feat he doesn’t take lightly.
“I don’t deserve all that. I grew up watching all those guys. I ain’t got no words,” Reaves added humbly.
### Austin Reaves Completes Leap to Superstardom for the Lakers
Reaves began his career as a Laker back in Summer League, impressing coaches with his hustle and ability to be a “glue guy” on offense. But he has since blossomed into a major force all on his own. If he continues this kind of incredible play, he might be in line for his first All-Star season.
Of course, it will be impossible for him to score 50 points every night. But the Lakers will need him to continue stepping up in a similar fashion as they await the return of both Doncic and James.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-austin-reaves-drops-the-mic-with-perfect-reaction-to-51-point-stunner