Austin Reaves’ Buzzer-Beating Game-Winner Draws Praise from LeBron James and Fans: “Auditioning for No. Spot”

Austin Reaves has put the Los Angeles Lakers on his back with LeBron James and Luka Doncic out with injuries.

Austin Reaves’ Buzzer-Beating Game-Winner Draws Praise from LeBron James and Fans: “Auditioning for No. Spot”

LeBron James hypes Austin Reaves (Image via FirstSportz)

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The Los Angeles Lakers have placed their scoring burden upon Austin Reaves, as their two leading superstars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, heal from their injuries.

The latter should be back next week, but the oldest player in the league will have enough time to ensure he comes back in peak shape, as the franchise guns for another go at an NBA title.

In the meantime, basketball fans have started to see why the top brass of the purple and gold franchise has a high regard for the undrafted guard out of Oklahoma.

In the first game without their Slovenian superstar, Austin Reaves scored 51 points and almost notched a triple-double to lead the Lakers to a win. He scored 41 points the following night, but the team was no match for the fast-paced and rested Portland Trail Blazers.

Tonight, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers knew they had a tough task at hand. But the Arkansas native went to work as if he had something to prove.

Entering the 4th quarter, the away team held a double-digit lead. It stayed that way until 4:30 was left on the clock. Then the Timberwolves, buoyed by their cheering fans, went on a run to wipe out the deficit and take a 1-point lead with 10 seconds to go.

In the final possession, after receiving the ball, Austin Reaves, knowing fully well that it was the last attempt for them, dribbled through screens, dribbled up beyond the free-throw line, and launched a floater.

LeBron James and NBA greats lead fans to praise Austin Reaves

The shot went in as time expired, leaving basketball fans stunned. Los Angeles Lakers players could not believe what they witnessed and ran to celebrate with Austin Reaves.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic, watching from home, instantly left messages on social media to praise their teammate. Former stars Kevin Garnett, DeMarcus Cousins, and others were left shocked by the ease with which the 27-year-old shot the game-winner.

Some believe these games are proving that the guard is proving his worth as someone who can lead a team. Check out examples of those reactions below.

Austin Reaves is outplaying the measly $13.9 million he is earning this season. It seems these performances will force the Lakers to make moves so that they can afford to give him a deserving contract.

Austin Reaves and the Lakers’ Exciting Whites won this game

Austin Reaves might have hit the game-winner. But he was not the sole reason the Los Angeles Lakers were in that position to win. Down several players, this game was going to be difficult for them.

Jake LaRavia, Austin Reaves, and Dalton Knecht
Jake LaRavia, Austin Reaves, and Dalton Knecht (Image via Los Angeles Lakers/X)

Despite that, the likes of Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht scored in double digits. The latter two and the game-winning shooter combined for 70 of the Lakers’ 116 points.

This should give the franchise’s fans hope, as they did not necessarily have an offseason worth remembering. Such depth will bode well throughout the season.

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