The Los Angeles Lakers will hit the road for their contest on Monday as they get set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers for their eighth game of the season.

LeBron James has yet to play for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, and Luka Doncic has missed three games, too. It’s not been too big a problem, though, thanks to Austin Reaves. The 27-year-old has stepped up for the team,

Luka Doncic shared a playful message for teammate Austin Reaves when he heard about Reaves' 40 points bold claim.

Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, pair him with 2-time NBA champion, former MVP originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With Luka Doncic and LeBron James out injured, not to mention guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent, it’s felt a little like Austin Reaves against the world when watching the Lakers’ offense. Other teams are loading up on him and pressuring him all over the court, and that is taking a physical toll.

Rui Hachimura had no idea who Austin Reaves was until this particular incident involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Austin Reaves' 'absolute baseline' that will force the Lakers into a tough decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Austin Reaves has started the 2025/26 NBA season on an absolute tear -- and as a result, the price for his services in the future is set to spike.