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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts towards the Lakers bench after sinking a three point shot in the Lakers 119-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Reeves 35 points are the most off the bench this season.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls (at home) by a score of 142-130.
One of the biggest reasons for their victory was the play of Austin Reaves.
He finished with 30 points, five rebounds, seven assists and one steal while shooting 13/20 from the field and 4/7 from three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.
Austin Reaves Made History In Bulls-Lakers Game
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past the defense of Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Reaves also made history during the game.
Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation wrote: “From the Lakers:
With his 24th point tonight vs. Chicago, Austin Reaves reached 5,000 career points.
Reaves becomes the second undrafted player to score all 5,000 career points with the Lakers (George Mikan). He’s the 46th undrafted player in NBA history to reach the mark.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Luka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold hands during a time out in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Reaves is in the middle of a fantastic season with averages of 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 49.5% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range in 39 games.
He is in his fifth NBA season (all with the Lakers).
Real App wrote: “Lakers to record 30/5/5 with 0 FTA:
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — Austin Reaves”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
Reaves’ Background
Reaves played his college basketball at Wichita State and Oklahoma.
The 27-year-old is one of the best stories in recent Lakers history, as he only averaged 4.1 points per contest during his freshman season.
Polymarket Hoops wrote: “Austin Reaves is tied for the most games in the NBA this season with 30+ PTS & 0 FTA.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It’s very possible that Reaves will be able to make his first All-Star Game at some point in the next few seasons.
He is already coming off a season where he averaged 20.2 points per contest.
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha wrote: “Final: Lakers 142, Bulls 130
LA wins its fourth game in a row to improve to 41-25. They move to No. 3 in the West. They tied their second-most points in a game this season. Luka had 51/10/9. Austin Reaves had 30/5/7. LeBron had 18/7/7 in his return.
Up next: vs. DEN on Sat.”
GettyLos Angeles, CA – March 01: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles down the court during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photos by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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