The Los Angeles Lakers secured a tight 102-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. While the Nets veteran Ben Simmons struggled, the Lakers’ Austin Reaves delivered a career-high performance that helped the Lakers clinch the win. This defeat marked the Nets’ second consecutive loss, following their earlier defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers.
With the victory, the Lakers improved their season record to 22-17, placing them sixth in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Nets fell to 14-28, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Austin Reaves Shines With Career-High Points As The Los Angeles Lakers Edge Out Nets
Austin Reaves was the star of the night, finishing with 38 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, helping the Lakers hold off a late push by the Nets. He shot 13-of-23 shooting, along with four three-pointers, three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
AUSTIN MF REAVES TONIGHT:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 18, 2025
38 POINTS
0 TURNOVERS (!!!)
13/23 FG
MR. UNTOUCHABLE 🔥 (via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/HwUu6fODTA
Not only did Reaves’ performance mark a career-high, but it also solidified his place in Laker’s history. With this performance, he now holds the 10th most 35-point games by a guard in Lakers history.
The Lakers’ star LeBron James also had a standout game, recording 29 points, seven rebounds, and 8 assists. Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent both added 10 points in the win.
The Nets saw several strong performances from their younger players, but the team struggled to find consistency throughout the game. Veteran D’Angelo Russell led the team in scoring with 19 points, while Noah Clowney and Ziaire Williams both contributed 11 and 15 points, respectively.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Keon Johnson chipped in with 13 points. However, Ben Simmons, in his return to action, struggled on both ends of the floor, finishing with just six points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will face off against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, while the Nets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
