Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Austin Reaves makes Lakers history in win over Pelicans

By Matt Evans | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 9:24 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 124–108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night was a crucial boost to their postseason push, helping them maintain a firm grip on third place in a tightly contested Western Conference.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 35 points, six rebounds and six assists, while LeBron James added 27 points and eight assists. But it was Austin Reaves who once again stole the spotlight, delivering a performance that sparked headlines and ignited fan conversation.

The 26-year-old erupted for 30 points and seven assists, shooting 8-of-13 from the field, knocking down six three-pointers and converting 8-of-9 free throws. In doing so, Reaves carved his name into the Lakers’ record books in multiple ways.

He surpassed Nick Van Exel for the second-most three-pointers made in a single season in franchise history, now sitting at 188 triples. The record belongs to D’Angelo Russell, who hit 226 during the 2023–24 season.

Coming off a 31-point outing against the Golden State Warriors the night prior — where he drained a career-high nine threes — Reaves has now connected on 15 three-pointers across his last two games. According to the NBA, he’s the first Laker in franchise history to hit 15 or more threes over a two-game span.

Austin Reaves becomes the first Lakers' player in franchise history to total 15+ 3PM over a 2-game span. https://t.co/6eJZgvG9wa pic.twitter.com/yQB0qSp0W6
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 5, 2025

The 6-foot-5 guard has firmly established himself as the team’s third star, and over the last five games, his production has soared. During that stretch, he’s averaging 26.8 points, five rebounds, 4.8 assists and one steal, with just 1.4 turnovers per game. He’s posted 30 or more points in four of those contests.

What truly stands out is his efficiency. Over that five-game run, Reaves is shooting 53.2% from the field, 51.1% from three on nine attempts per game, and 93.5% from the free-throw line. His 23 made threes during that span are the second-most in the NBA, trailing only Stephen Curry, who is amid a historic stretch for Golden State.

As the Lakers continue to build momentum with three wins in their last four games, Reaves' emergence could be the X-factor in their postseason ambitions. Once praised primarily for his grit and basketball IQ, the Arkansas native is now proving he can change the game with his scoring prowess.

With the playoffs fast approaching, the Lakers appear to be finding their rhythm at just the right time — and Austin Reaves is at the center of it.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports. Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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