The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday, even with LeBron James sidelined for his second consecutive game due to lingering elbow, knee, and foot injuries. Luka Dončić led the charge with 35 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 25, helping the Lakers maintain control throughout the contest.
This win improved the Lakers’ record to 13-7 in games without James this season and boosted their tally to 9-2 when both Dončić and Reaves are in the lineup without him. This impressive run has prompted analysis of how the team’s offense adjusts significantly based on who is facilitating play.
Dončić and Reaves’ Impact Shows When LeBron Is Out
While no one suggests the Lakers perform better overall without LeBron James—given his elite production over 23 NBA seasons—the 9-2 outcome when Dončić and Reaves share the backcourt without him stands out as more than coincidence. Without James, Dončić assumes the role of primary playmaker, while Reaves transitions from mainly spotting up to also handling the ball as a secondary facilitator.
Reaves has notably elevated his production in these minutes, averaging around 28 points and nearly eight assists per game, quite different from his role when James plays. During the game against the Knicks, Dončić spearheaded the scoring efforts as usual, while Reaves contributed with dynamic playmaking and defensive intensity. Their defensive pressure helped restrict New York to 97 points and forced turnovers that shifted momentum early.
The Lakers’ pace increased, and their spacing became more aggressive without James on the court, enabling both guards to operate with more freedom and efficiency.
Dončić’s Excellence and Reaves’ Development Redefine Lakers’ Offense
In his first full season with the Lakers, Dončić is delivering near-MVP level numbers, averaging 32.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. His consistent offensive production makes him the focal point regardless of lineup. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Reaves has grown into a reliable secondary option, posting approximately 23.5 points and 5.4 assists per game while maintaining efficient shooting.
The recent acquisition of Luke Kennard has bolstered the Lakers’ three-point shooting, pushing the team near the top league-wide and creating valuable space that benefits both guards’ playmaking and scoring capabilities.
LeBron James is currently listed as questionable for the Lakers’ next matchup against Minnesota. The coaching staff, led by JJ Redick, faces the challenge of blending the effective lineup that has emerged without James into the team structure when he returns.
Although Sunday’s win and the 13-7 record offer no definitive solution to that puzzle, they clearly demonstrate the strong foundation Dončić and Reaves have established. The Lakers’ success might rely as much on how Redick leverages this duo as on James’ availability.
