The Los Angeles Lakers secured a close 119-115 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, powered by guard Austin Reaves’ impressive performance. Reaves recorded 35 points, six rebounds, and two assists, shooting an efficient 12 of 17 from the field and hitting five of eight shots from beyond the arc. This game highlighted Reaves’ continued progression, pushing his overall numbers into elite NBA territory this season.
Elite-Level Season for Austin Reaves
This year, Reaves is averaging over 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, while making at least 2.5 three-pointers per contest and maintaining a 50 percent shooting clip from the field. According to OptaSTATS, he joins a select group in NBA history alongside Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James in achieving these milestones within a single season. His ascent reflects a new level of consistency and skill that elevates his status among the league’s top performers.
And it’s just his drives. I know he made 3s and hit a couple that were pretty incredible, but his drives and his thrust. Got to the free throw line, but just got in the paint and made plays and scored at the rim. It was great to see.
JJ Redick, Lakers head coach, told Khobi Price of the California Post.
Lakers Face Injury Concern with Doncic’s Exit
Despite Reaves’ standout effort, the Lakers faced an injury setback as All-Star guard Luka Doncic exited the game in the second quarter due to soreness in his left hamstring and did not return. The status of Doncic remains uncertain, casting some doubt over the Lakers’ immediate outlook.
I don’t really know, I talked to him a little bit at halftime,
Reaves said.
I walked by him and asked him if he was OK. [He] kind of just looked at me, and I had to go play. Hopefully nothing major. We need him, He’s our best player. Hopefully we get good news [Friday], and I wish him nothing but the best.
Austin Reaves, Lakers guard.
Implications for Lakers’ Season Moving Forward
The Lakers currently hold a 31-19 record, positioning themselves as strong contenders. With Reaves elevating his game to All-Star caliber levels and Doncic’s health still in question, the team’s trajectory remains somewhat uncertain but hopeful. How these factors play out will be crucial for the Lakers’ ambition to advance further in the NBA season.
In 2025-26 Austin Reaves is
scoring 25.0+ points per game
grabbing 5.0+ rebounds per game
dishing out 5.0+ assists per game
making 2.5+ threes per game
shooting 50.0% from fieldOnly 3 others in NBA history have done that in a season: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant & LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/f8m3bQpu1t
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) February 6, 2026
