Lakers' Reaves looks like an All-Star after game-winner

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Lakers' Austin Reaves looks like an All-Star after game-winner

By Sean Keane | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 12:47 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are playing without All-Stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. After his buzzer-beater sank the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night, Austin Reaves is looking like an All-Star himself.

Reaves dropped in a floater as time expired Wednesday to continue a red-hot stretch without his superstar teammates. Sunday, Reaves scored a career-high 51 points to beat the Sacramento Kings. In a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Monday, Reaves scored 41. Wednesday he finished with 28 points and a career-high 16 assists.

Austin Reaves has improved every season

Reaves is averaging 34.2 PPG and 10 assists this season, taking over the scoring load while also distributing the ball. Doncic averaged 46 points in his two games, while Deandre Ayton has chipped in a solid 16 PPG. But it's Reaves initiating the offense and taking shots in big moments.

While his shot was off Wednesday, going 9-for-24, there was no doubt Reaves was taking the last shot after Julius Randle gave Minnesota a one-point lead. Even with Jake LaRavia stepping up with 27 points on 10-for-11 shooting, Reaves is clearly the Lakers' go-to guy.

AUSTIN REAVES GAME-WINNER WITH NO TIME LEFT!!!

LAKERS GET THE ROAD VICTORY!!

@TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER
Your Time Defines Your Greatness. https://t.co/lyy8aK5RWb pic.twitter.com/YrAOB8WCMU
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2025

Reaves wasn't drafted in 2021, but he made the Lakers and has only gotten better since. His scoring averages keep going up: 7.3 PPG as a rookie, then 13, 15.9, 20.2 and, this season, 34.2. His assists, rebounds, steals and free throw attempts have improved in each of his five NBA seasons.

Austin Reaves stands to get paid like an All-Star too

The Lakers have Reaves this season for the bargain price of $13.9M, incredible value for a starting guard. But Reaves can decline his player option for 2026-27, something that has to be considered a lock.

With nearly $100M in expiring contracts, the Lakers can make some big moves, provided they sign Reaves last. But because he can be an unrestricted free agent, they'll have a lot of competition on the market, and Reaves should get a huge raise.

Whether he makes the All-Star team or not, Reaves has earned a big new contract. He won't be as affordable, but the Lakers can't afford to lose him.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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