Austin Reaves' historic performance carries short-handed Lakers past Pacers

The Lakers led 44-22 after the first quarter and held off a late Pacers rally to get the win.

If it was not for Reaves' career performance, it likely would have been a different story for a Lakers team that has now won five in a row.

Reaves had a career-high 45 points (14-of-26 FG, 4-of-9 3PT), seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He also made all 13 of his free throw attempts. 

According to LakersNation reporter Ryan Ward, Reaves is the 19th undrafted player in NBA history to record a 40-point game and only the second undrafted Laker to do so (George Mikan). It is the second-most points by an undrafted player in NBA history, only trailing Fred VanVleet's 54 points against the Orlando Magic in 2021.

Reaves is only the fourth player in franchise history with 45+ points, five+ rebounds, and five+ assists in a game since 2000, joining James, former Laker Anthony Davis and the late Kobe Bryant.

This steal and subsequent dunk gave Reaves a career-high 39 points at the time as the Lakers held a 108-93 lead with 7:37 left.

He weaved his way through Indiana's defense and went high off the glass with this layup to extend the Lakers' advantage to 115-103 with under four minutes to play.

Considering James just became the oldest player in NBA history to record a 40-point game with his 42-point performance against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, Reaves' ability to step up and take over the game on Saturday was that much more impressive.

While there is some optimism that Doncic could make his Lakers debut on Monday against the Utah Jazz, he, too, was on the bench to witness the career outing from Reaves.

The Lakers (31-19) have won five straight and nine of their last 10 games. Once this team is at full strength, they could be legitimate title contenders, especially if Reaves continues to show out.