Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves had plenty to smile about after his team’s 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. But when a reporter asked if Luka Doncic “stole his spotlight” in his first game back from injury, Reaves couldn’t help but laugh.

Austin Reaves is proving his value so far early in the season as he prepares to sign a big check next offseason. With Lakers stars Luka Doncic (sprained finger

He scored 51 points in the first two games of this season, and with Doncic and LeBron James unable to play in the last three contests, he has had performances of 51 points, 41 points and now 28 points and 16 assists on Wednesday, plus the game-winner against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Austin Reaves went for the winning shot over Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo, and the moment gained attention from many NBA stars.

Kenny Smith was the main character in Inside the NBA's first big misstep on ESPN. During the show's third broadcast on their new network, Smith compared Austin Reaves to Jeremy Lin. His co-stars immediately called him out.

With Luka Doncic and LeBron James out injured, not to mention guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent, it’s felt a little like Austin Reaves against the world when watching the Lakers’ offense. Other teams are loading up on him and pressuring him all over the court, and that is taking a physical toll.

Rui Hachimura's NBA post-game celebration with Austin Reaves' headband took a comedic turn that Marcus Smart would prefer to forget.

The Lakers’ 2-2 start to the 2025-26 season has come without LeBron James, who has been battling a sciatica injury, opening the door for fellow forward Austin Reaves to take the baton for coach J.J. Redick’s team.