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Lakers Notch First Preseason Win as Austin Reaves Eases Injury Scare

With stars sidelined, the game doubled as a rotation audition under JJ Redick’s preseason evaluation.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 27: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 116-113 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Los Angeles beat Golden State 126-116, with Austin Reaves scoring 21 points in 23 minutes to lead a balanced attack.
  • A third-quarter lower-leg knock ended Reaves’ night, but he told reporters “I’m good,” and JJ Redick said he was kneed in the calf after contact with Brandin Podziemski.
  • Dalton Knecht earned a start, scored 16 points, and Redick said he has been the team’s best offensive player in practice but must improve defensively to raise his ceiling.
  • Deandre Ayton added 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and Reaves praised his pick-and-roll fit and rim protection as important for the roster.
  • LeBron James (sciatica), Luka Dončić (rest) and Marcus Smart did not play, and the Lakers now head into a back-to-back in Phoenix and Las Vegas before finishing preseason Friday and opening Oct. 21 against the Warriors.