LOS ANGELES — In an impressive display of skill, Austin Reaves achieved a personal best by scoring 38 points, while LeBron James contributed 29, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a narrow 102-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
The Nets, coming off a staggering defeat to the LA Clippers where they lost by 59 points, had a shot at redemption. However, D’Angelo Russell’s missed 3-point attempt with just 2.6 seconds left on the clock sealed their fate. James secured the rebound, allowing the Lakers to clinch their second consecutive win.
Reaves excelled, making 13 of 23 shots and hitting all eight of his free throws. Prior to this game, his highest scoring was 35 points, which he reached twice, most recently against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31. In the final quarter of the game, he contributed 15 points, successfully making three shots from beyond the arc.
On the other hand, Russell, who was traded from the Lakers to the Nets, put up 19 points in his first matchup against his former team. Teammates Zaire Williams and Tosan Evbuomwan added 15 points each to the scoreboard.
Notably, the Nets enjoyed a significant advantage in bench scoring, outpacing the Lakers 49 to 15. This included contributions from three players who scored in double figures: Russell, Evbuomwan, and Jalen Wilson, who had 11 points.
For the Lakers, the duo of Reaves and James accounted for more than half of the team’s total points, especially critical as Anthony Davis was unavailable due to plantar fasciitis affecting his left foot. Jaxson Hayes started in Davis’ absence, managing to register six points alongside nine rebounds.
A pivotal moment occurred when Reaves executed an alley-oop to James during a fast break, pushing the Lakers’ lead to 102-95 with just 2:32 left in the game. This scored basket ultimately proved to be the last for the team.
Statistically, the Lakers showcased impressive shooting in the fourth quarter, hitting 12 of 19 attempts, including five shots from distance.
Looking ahead, the Nets are set to visit Oklahoma City on Sunday to wrap up their six-game road trip, while the Lakers will face off against the Los Angeles Clippers.
