Reaves steps into Luka’s shoes, drops 43 in win vs. Pistons

Austin Reaves scored a season-high 43 points to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Reaves stepped up in the absence of teammate Luka Doncic, who sat out due to lower back tightness. The victory extended the Lakers' current winning streak to five games, improving their overall record to 9-2 on the season.

Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams contributed 17 points apiece off the bench, while Walker Kessler recorded 12 points and 16 rebounds. Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed confidence that Doncic's back tightness is not a lingering issue ahead of their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks.