With Luka Dončić sidelined, the Los Angeles Lakers needed someone to take over in Detroit.
Austin Reaves answered emphatically, pouring in 43 points as the Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 121-116 on Sunday. Dončić missed the game with lower back tightness.
Carrying the Load Without Dončić
Reaves shot 14 of 27 from the field and 4 of 6 from three, adding five rebounds and four assists as the clear first option. The Austin Reaves 43 points performance lifted Los Angeles to 9-2, level with the Philadelphia 76ers for the best record in the NBA.
Walker Kessler controlled the paint with 12 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. For Detroit, now 6-3, Cade Cunningham managed 14 points and eight assists but shot 6 of 15 and committed four turnovers.
A Courtside Conversation in Detroit
Reaves also found time for some back and forth with a Pistons fan seated courtside. The two had an extended exchange during a stoppage late in the first half, though what was said remains unclear.
Reaves got the final word, punctuating the night with a dagger three and a wave goodbye.
The Lakers found a way without their biggest star, and the Austin Reaves 43 points night showed he can carry the offense when the moment demands it.
