Austin Reaves Scores 35 to Lead Lakers to 119 to 115 Victory Over 76ers Amid Doncic Injury

Austin Reaves scored 35 points in just 25 minutes Thursday night, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119 to 115 comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers, a breaking update that highlighted both depth and resilience for a team navigating injuries and minutes restrictions.

LeBron James added 17 points and 10 assists as the Lakers snapped Philadelphia’s five-game winning streak in their first contest following an eight-game road trip. The victory came despite Luka Doncic exiting early with a left leg injury, limiting the Lakers’ star core to just 10 games together this season amid previous health struggles.

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 35 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 26 points and 13 assists. Philadelphia had built a 14-point lead earlier in the game and briefly cut a 16-point second-half deficit to just three, closing to 116 to 113 after rookie VJ Edgecombe stole an inbounds pass from James and hit a three-pointer with 36 seconds remaining. However, Maxi Kleber found Rui Hachimura for a dunk with 12 seconds left, securing the Lakers’ final margin.

Reaves, coming off a 5 1/2-week absence due to a calf injury, was remarkable in limited minutes. He shot 12 of 17 from the field, made five three-pointers, and sparked the Lakers’ decisive 21 to 6 fourth-quarter run that gave Los Angeles their first lead in the final period. His performance underscores the importance of bench contributions and depth, especially with star players sidelined or restricted.

Doncic’s departure at 3:03 of the first half due to left leg soreness added urgency to the Lakers’ rotation. The NBA’s leading scorer had been instrumental in the team’s recent surge, marking their fifth win in seven games, but his exit forced Reaves, James, and Hachimura to carry the offense. James also committed eight turnovers but managed to facilitate key plays that preserved the win.

The Lakers now face a critical next step as they return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, with implications for their standing in the Western Conference and how they manage minutes for Reaves, James, and other returning players. Philadelphia travels to Phoenix the same night, seeking to rebound from their first loss since January 26 and address second-half defensive lapses that allowed Los Angeles’ rally.

This game highlights the ongoing impact of injuries on team performance, the value of bench scoring, and the Lakers’ potential to sustain competitiveness while navigating a condensed season and roster volatility.