In addition to scoring a game-high 38 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 129-119 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Austin Reaves also got a holiday treat when he was asked to swap jerseys with former teammate Anthony Davis.
Speaking to reporters after the win, Reaves praised Davis as one of the best players in NBA history and declared “I owe him a lot” from their four seasons as teammates:
“He’s one of the best players to ever touch a basketball. I don’t know why he wanted my jersey, but for me to get his, it’s pretty fun. … I got a lot of love for AD. He’s a big reason that [I am] where I’m at right now. From day one, he was telling me to be myself, don’t be anybody else. Continue to work and really, just be myself on the court. So I owe him a lot.”
Friday marked Davis’ first appearance since Oct. 29 due to a calf strain. He was also playing in his first game in Los Angeles since being traded to Dallas in February. The 10-time All-Star had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists in 28 minutes.
But it was Reaves who stole the spotlight with yet another game that showcased why he figures to be in the mix for a spot on the All-Star team. The 27-year-old shot 12-of-15 overall from the field, tying his season-high with six three-pointers.
Reaves, who has been one of the great developmental success stories after going undrafted in 2021, is up to ninth in the NBA in scoring with 28.5 points per game this season. He is also tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for 16th in assists (6.7).
The Lakers continued their red-hot start to the season. They have now won six straight games and are 14-4 overall. Friday’s win also allowed them to clinch Western Conference Group B in the NBA Cup and a berth in the quarterfinals.
Reaves and the Lakers are back in action on Sunday when they host the New Orleans Pelicans.