Austin Reeves joins former MVPs in an extremely exclusive all-time club

Leading Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-120 road win over the Sacramento Kings on sunday night Austin Reeves had a career high performance.

In the absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic due to injuries, Reaves took full control of the offense in Los Angeles, scoring a career-high 51 points, narrowly missing a triple-double with 11 rebounds and nine assists. He also added two steals, shooting 12 of 22 from the field, 6 of 10 from three and an impressive 21 of 22 from the free throw line. joining an exclusive group Russell Westbrook and James Harden to reach these numbers

Reaves’ 51-point outburst he surpassed his previous career high of 45 points against the Indiana Pacers last February. The performance made him the 12th player in Lakers history to score 50 or more points in a single game and the eighth in franchise history to make 20 or more free throws in a single contest. He now joins an elite group of Lakers who have reached the 50-point milestone in the modern era, a list that includes Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron and Anthony Davis.

Los Angeles trailed 101-97 midway through the fourth quarter after Domantas Sabonis’ 3-pointer. Then, with three 3-pointers, Reaves led a 20-5 run, giving the Lakers an 11-point lead late in the game that Sacramento couldn’t overcome.

Five Lakers finished in double figures. Deandre Ayton had 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block; Rui Hachimura scored 18 points with three rebounds; Marcus Smart had 11 points and five assists; and Jake LaRavia added 11 points and six boards.

Reaves led the way from the free throw line, making 21 of 22 as Los Angeles outscored the Kings 41-12. The Lakers also controlled the glass, collecting 47 rebounds compared to Sacramento’s 40. Despite the Kings’ strong shooting, outscoring Los Angeles 54-24 from beyond the arc, Reaves’ offensive prowess and scoring led the Lakers to victory.

Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 32 points, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 21 points and six rebounds.

Reaves’ performance earned praise from his teammate Jameswho celebrated it on social media, calling Reeves “TOO HARD!!”

The Lakers, now 2-1 on the season, continue their road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday with no rest. Reaves will again have to carry the goals with James and Doncic.