Can Austin Reaves Keep Dominating Without LeBron James and Luka Doncic? NBA Insider Answers

Oct 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Austin Reaves is proving his value so far early in the season as he prepares to sign a big check next offseason.

With Lakers stars Luka Doncic (sprained finger on left hand, lower left leg contusion) and LeBron James (sciatica) continuing to miss time, Reaves has been the focal point of the Lakers' offense, highlighted by his 51-point performance against Sacramento on Sunday.

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The Lakers have been without the pair of Doncic and James for three consecutive games. During that stretch, Reaves has averaged 40 points, 5.3 rebounds and 10 assists while leading the Lakers to a 2-1 record.

However, it's fair to ask how much longer can Reaves continue to be the Lakers' go-to — and really, only — answer on offense?

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Jake LaRavia did his part in the Lakers' win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, adding 27 points and 2 assists to Reaves' 28 points and 16 assists. However, ESPN's Dave McMenamin wonders whether Reaves can continue his productivity for much longer.

"It's one thing to expect Reaves to be very good from night to night while James (sciatica) and Doncic (sprained finger on his left hand and a lower left leg contusion) are out. The fifth-year guard has grown into a reliable, proven player in this league. It's another to expect him to be otherworldly every game," McMenamin wrote for ESPN.

James is expected to be out until the second or third week of November, according to McMenamin, however Lakers head coach JJ Redick hopes to have Doncic back in the "next couple of games."

While Reaves might not have to captain the ship much longer before Doncic's return, he'll need a consistent group of role players to step up.

Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura have played well over the past three games, adding 18.3 and 17 points per game, respectively. Outside of those three, the rest of the Lakers have accounted for just 36 percent of the total points scored over the past three games.

Both Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia have shown flashes and will look to take advantage of the increase in scoring opportunities that is sure to shrink once James and Doncic are back on the court.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.