With their superstar sidelined, the Lakers needed someone to take over. Their other guard did exactly that.
Austin Reaves scored 43 points, a season high, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 121 to 116 on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, without Luka Doncic.
How did Austin Reaves score 43 points?
Reaves made 14 of 27 shots, including four of six from beyond the arc, and all 11 of his free throws. It was one of the most efficient scoring nights of his career.
One of his biggest moments came in the third quarter, when he stepped back and launched a shot from deep that banked in off the glass. Reaves said he knew right away it was the kind of shot Doncic would take, and he shrugged afterward because he had not meant to bank it. It still counts the same on the stat sheet, he joked.
Austin Reaves also hit a tough shot in the first quarter, flipping the ball over the corner of the backboard while falling out of bounds. Asked about his shotmaking, he said he was a lucky player on this night.
How did the Lakers win without Luka Doncic?
Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer at 40.1 points a game, sat out with tightness in his lower back. It was the second game he has missed this season, both for back tightness and both on the second night of games on consecutive days. The Lakers have won both.
Five Lakers scored in double figures. Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams each scored 17 off the bench, Walker Kessler added 12 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks, and Quentin Grimes scored 10 of his 12 points in the first quarter as the Lakers built a lead of 38 to 14.
A Lakers reserve said players have to step up when a teammate is averaging 40 points, adding that Austin Reaves filled those shoes.
How did Detroit come back?
The Pistons, who have the league’s top defense, chipped away while Austin Reaves rested. From late in the third quarter into the fourth, Detroit outscored Los Angeles by eight points and cut the lead to 90 to 89.
The Lakers coach explained that he did not rush Reaves back, noting he had played 28 of the first 33 minutes. Players need to play through tough stretches and stars need their rest, he said, and overreacting during a game only creates chaos.
The Lakers held on to improve to nine wins and two losses, while Detroit fell to six wins and three losses. The win came against one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams this season.
What did the coach say about Austin Reaves?
The coach praised the guard’s decisions, aggression and ability to keep getting into the paint. He said those qualities stood out against a defense that rarely gives up easy points.
The Lakers center said it does not feel much different whether Doncic or Austin Reaves leads the way, because both are incredible players who hit tough shots.
What is next for the Lakers?
Los Angeles continues a road trip of four games in Atlanta on Monday. The coach downplayed concerns that Doncic’s back could become a lingering problem, suggesting he will likely return. The Lakers will again need contributions from their supporting cast if Doncic sits.
Doncic scored 53 points in a recent win over the Portland Trail Blazers, pushing his average above 40.
The Lakers have now won five straight, and Austin Reaves showed they can still win when their superstar sits. His performance gave fans a reminder of how valuable he is to the team.
