LOS ANGELES — Austin Reaves stepped up in the absence of Luka Dončić, scoring a career-high 43 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
Reaves, starting in place of the injured Dončić, shot efficiently from the field and added several assists and rebounds as the Lakers secured the win at Crypto.com Arena.
The Associated Press reported that Reaves' performance marked his highest scoring output of the season, helping Los Angeles overcome a shorthanded roster.
Dončić, who has been dealing with a minor injury, watched from the bench as Reaves took on the primary playmaking role.
The Pistons, despite a competitive effort, could not contain Reaves' scoring burst in the second half.
