Grading Lakers Players vs Pacers: Reaves Drops Career-High 45 Points In Win

Austin Reaves delivered a career-best performance with 45 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, extending their win streak to five games and 11 of their last 13. Playing without LeBron James (left ankle soreness) and Luka Doncic (strained calf), the Lakers relied on Reaves' brilliance and a strong supporting cast to hold off one of the Eastern Conference's hottest teams. 

Rui Hachimura added 24 points on his 27th birthday, while journeyman guard Jordan Goodwin made a key contribution in his Lakers debut, hitting a clutch 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter. The Lakers raced to a commanding 25-point lead in the first half, fueled by yet another phenomenal start, making 15 of their first 21 shots. 

Despite Indiana’s late rally behind Pascal Siakam's 23 points and Tyrese Haliburton's 19, Reaves took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points, including a steal-and-dunk sequence that sealed the win and drew a standing ovation. The victory showcased the Lakers' depth and resilience, even as James and Doncic sat together on the bench, eagerly anticipating their first game as teammates on Monday against Utah. Let's grade every Lakers player for his performance on Saturday night. 

Austin Reaves: A+

Stats: 45 PTS, 7 REB (0 OREB, 7 DREB), 7 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, 14-26 FG, 4-9 3PT, 13-13 FT, +14, 41 MIN

Reaves had a career night, exploding for 45 points while adding seven rebounds and seven assists. He was the heart and soul of the Lakers’ offense, delivering in clutch moments, including 14 points in the fourth quarter. Reaves also excelled at the line, going a perfect 13-for-13, and his efficiency (14-for-26 FG) was remarkable. His steal-and-dunk sequence late in the game electrified the crowd and sealed the win, showcasing his growth as a star player.

Rui Hachimura: A

Stats: 24 PTS, 9 REB (1 OREB, 8 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 8-13 FG, 2-3 3PT, 6-6 FT, +4, 33 MIN

Hachimura celebrated his 27th birthday in style, delivering 24 points on efficient shooting (8-for-13 FG) and grabbing nine rebounds. His ability to score both inside and out (2-for-3 from deep) kept Indiana’s defense on its heels. Hachimura also went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, showing his composure. While he didn’t register any assists and had three fouls, his offensive firepower was instrumental in securing the win.

Gabe Vincent: B-

Stats: 12 PTS, 0 REB (0 OREB, 0 DREB), 7 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 4 PF, 5-13 FG, 2-8 3PT, 0-0 FT, +5, 25 MIN

Vincent was a steady hand at the point, dishing out seven assists while adding 12 points. His two steals highlighted his defensive activity, but his shooting was inconsistent, as he went 5-for-13 from the field and 2-for-8 from three. Despite some struggles, Vincent’s ability to distribute and manage the game helped the Lakers stay organized in the absence of their two stars.

Jaxson Hayes: C+

Stats: 9 PTS, 12 REB (3 OREB, 9 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 4-4 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, +3, 29 MIN

Hayes provided a strong interior presence, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking two shots. His efficiency around the basket was noteworthy, as he made all four of his field goal attempts. While his nine points weren’t game-changing, his energy on the boards and rim protection helped stabilize the Lakers' defense. Hayes’ +3 plus/minus reflects his positive contributions, although he didn’t have a major offensive impact.

Jordan Goodwin: C+

Stats: 10 PTS, 4 REB (2 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, 4-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT, +1, 25 MIN

Goodwin made a solid impression in his Lakers debut, scoring 10 points and grabbing four rebounds in 25 minutes. He hit a clutch 3-pointer late in the game and showed good efficiency overall, shooting 4-for-7 from the field. Though he committed two turnovers and three fouls, his contributions off the bench were timely and helped the Lakers maintain their lead during critical moments.

Dorian Finney-Smith: C+

Stats: 7 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 6 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 0 PF, 3-8 FG, 1-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +11, 35 MIN

Finney-Smith had a solid outing, contributing seven points and six assists while playing strong defense. His ball movement was critical, especially with LeBron and Luka unavailable, as he helped set up the offense. However, his shooting was inconsistent, going 3-for-8 from the field and 1-for-5 from deep. Despite the shooting struggles, his +11 plus/minus reflected his ability to make an impact in other areas, including his defensive presence.

Trey Jemison III: C+

Stats: 8 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 4-5 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -7, 12 MIN

In limited minutes, Jemison contributed eight points, going an efficient 4-for-5 from the field. He didn’t do much on the boards, grabbing just one rebound, but his scoring provided a brief spark. While his -7 plus/minus indicates the Lakers struggled during his time on the court, his energy and efficiency were positives in his 12 minutes.

Shake Milton: C

Stats: 2 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 4 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 1-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-1 FT, -4, 15 MIN

Milton had a quiet performance, managing just two points on 1-for-4 shooting. He did contribute three rebounds and four assists, but he struggled to make a significant impact offensively or defensively. His -4 plus/minus reflected his limited effectiveness, though he did avoid turnovers and played within the team system.

Jarred Vanderbilt: C-

Stats: 4 PTS, 6 REB (2 OREB, 4 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 2-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, +5, 20 MIN

Vanderbilt had a quiet night offensively, scoring just four points, but he provided his usual effort on the boards with six rebounds. His defensive energy was valuable, but his lack of offensive production and limited impact on the game led to a less-than-stellar performance. He struggled from beyond the arc, missing both three-point attempts, and committed a turnover in his 20 minutes of action.

Markieff Morris: N/A

Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 1-4 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +3, 6 MIN

Morris played limited minutes but chipped in three points on a single three-pointer. He struggled to make much of an impact in his six minutes, going 1-for-4 from the field. While his contribution was minimal, his veteran presence helped steady the team during brief stretches.