Reaves' Buzzer-Beater Lifts Lakers to Road Win

Austin Reaves hit a 12-foot buzzer-beating floater to lift the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-115 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić (and several other rotation players) sidelined, the undrafted 2021 guard has shouldered a heavy offensive load amid a sizzling stretch that included 51- and 41-point games earlier in the week. Jake LaRavia scored 27 on 10-for-11 shooting and Deandre Ayton had 17 points and 10 rebounds, but Minnesota rallied late behind Julius Randle (33) and Jaden McDaniels (30) before Reaves’ game-winner. Coach J.J. Redick praised Reaves’ penchant for big moments, and both Dončić and James posted praise on social media; Dončić’s status is being treated day-to-day while James is expected to be re-evaluated in about three to four weeks. The victory underscored the Lakers’ depth stepping up while the club waits for its stars to return.