Austin Reaves delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 45 points, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 124-117 on Saturday. The Lakers, playing without superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, extended their winning streak to five games and have now won 11 of their last 13 contests.
A dominant first half for the LA Lakers
Despite missing their two biggest stars, the Lakers came out strong, building an impressive 25-point lead in the first half. Reaves led the charge, scoring 14 points in the final quarter to ensure the team held off a late Pacers’ surge.
LeBron James was sidelined due to left ankle soreness, while Luka Doncic watched from the bench for the third consecutive game as he recovers from a strained left calf. The two players sat together, chatting during the game, as they prepare for their anticipated return on Monday against the Utah Jazz.
Birthday boy Rui Hachimura shines
Rui Hachimura contributed 24 points to the victory, marking a special performance on his 27th birthday. His efforts were crucial in keeping the Lakers on track despite the absence of their star players.
Indiana’s resilient effort falls short
The Pacers, currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, battled back from their massive deficit, thanks to the strong performances of Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Halliburton. Siakam scored 23 points, while Halliburton added 19. However, the Pacers could not complete the comeback, especially in the fourth quarter, and suffered only their fourth loss in their last 17 games.
Reaves overcomes injury to lead the way
Austin Reaves, who nearly missed the game due to a sore left elbow, chose to play in the absence of James and Doncic. He exploded early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, and added another 8 points in the fourth.
Reaves sealed his career-high with a steal and dunk, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd with 7:37 remaining.
Takeaways from the Game
Pacers: Indiana struggled in the first half without Myles Turner, who was absent due to a head injury.
Lakers: Jordan Goodwin, in his Lakers debut, played 25 minutes and hit a crucial 3-pointer with 2:26 left to play.
Key Moment
The Lakers were dominant in the first half, making 15 of 21 shots and leading 53-28 midway through the second quarter, establishing a commanding advantage that they maintained through the game.
Key Stat
The Pacers were exceptional from the free-throw line, finishing 31 of 32 in free-throw attempts.
Up next for both Lakers and Pacers
The Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks on Tuesday, while the Lakers will return home to face the Utah Jazz on Monday, with James and Doncic expected to make their return.