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LeBron James Sends Austin Reaves Message After Mavericks-Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Entering the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks, all eyes were on Anthony Davis returning to LA for the first time since the February trade, and Luka Doncic facing his former team for the third time. While Doncic delivered 35 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, it was Lakers guard Austin Reaves who stole the spotlight.

During Friday’s game, Reaves exploded for a game-high 38 points on 12-of-15 shooting, adding eight rebounds and three assists. His scoring efficiency was pivotal in securing the Lakers’ fourth straight victory in the NBA Cup group stage and sixth consecutive win overall.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15).Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It was another statement performance for the 27-year-old, who has continued to prove his worth as one of the league’s top players, even alongside high-level scorers like Doncic and LeBron James.

Reaves’ rise has garnered praise across the NBA, and after Friday’s win, James weighed in on his teammate’s performance. Asked what still impresses him about Reaves, James told reporters:

“Nothing. Nothing. I told y’all. How long ago did I tell you all, AR can [expletive] play ball? … It’s nothing [new]. AR, he’s great” (via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin).

Q: What are the things that Austin Reaves does that still impresses you as a teammate?
A: “Nothing. Nothing. I told y’all. How long ago did I tell you all, AR can f—-ing play ball? … It’s nothing [new]. AR, he’s great.” pic.twitter.com/5g3n04Gdsp
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 29, 2025

The league’s all-time leading scorer was right. Reaves’ surge on Friday, while impressive, was far from an outlier. He previously recorded a career-high 51 points, along with 11 rebounds and nine assists, in a 127‑120 win over the Sacramento Kings, a night when the Lakers needed a player to step up with Doncic and James out. He followed that with a 41-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers and has already posted five 30-point games this season.

An undrafted rookie who entered the league with minimal expectations, Reaves is now being seen as a potential perennial All-Star and has proven he can lead a team to victory. He finished last season with career highs of 20.2 points and 4.5 rebounds, while adding 5.8 assists in 73 games. This season, he is on pace to surpass those numbers, averaging 28.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists over 15 games.

The Lakers, now 14-4 to start the season, will look to continue their momentum when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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