Overview
- After returning Friday with 44 points in an NBA Cup win over the Grizzlies, Dončić logged his third straight 40-point opener, a feat matched only by Wilt Chamberlain per ESPN, and said the Lakers must improve defensively even as the offense climbs.
- With LeBron James sidelined and Dončić recently out, Austin Reaves delivered a 51-point game, a 16-assist night and a game-winner, and coach JJ Redick voiced comfort with Reaves making late-game decisions.
- Veteran reporter Marc Stein said there is no sense Reaves is looking to leave Los Angeles; he is at $13.9 million this season with a $14.9 million player option, with a five-year ~$108 million early extension discussed against higher market projections.
- LeBron remains out with sciatica, with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin indicating a possible mid-November return while Redick has offered no firm timetable.
- Against the Heat on Sunday, late scratch Deandre Ayton ceded a start to Jaxson Hayes, who scored 11 on perfect first-quarter shooting, and Reaves connected with Bronny James for an alley-oop as the Lakers led 77–63 at halftime.