The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a 123-120 win over the Raptors in Toronto behind a 44-point double-double from Austin Reaves. They were without Luka Doncic. LeBron James couldn’t buy a bucket, but it didn’t matter. Reaves had another superstar performance, and his free agency just got a lot more interesting.

The 6’5 wing has gone from undrafted to superstar. Los Angeles can’t re-sign before the offseason. Reaves has already turned down the max extension the Lakers can offer. He is headed for unrestricted free agency and is looking more than deserving of a max contract.

The Lakers have won three of the four games Doncic has missed with Reaves in the lineup this season. AR keeps having superstar performances whenever number 77 isn’t in the lineup. Los Angeles looks genius for never entertaining a trade. The undrafted wing has officially become one of the best players on the planet.

Austin Reaves makes another superstar statement

Reaves set a new career-high with 22 points in the third quarter, including this impossible shot fans have to see.

HOW DO YOU EVEN GUARD AUSTIN REAVES??

HE MAKES EVERY SHOT 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/n25gnYuYJX

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) December 5, 2025

Reaves finished with 44 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in 41 minutes. He made 13 of his 21 field goals, including making five 3-pointers, and went 13 of 15 from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old was the unquestioned number one option on Thursday night and proved unstoppable again.

Rui Hachimura sank the game-winning 3-pointer on Thursday night. The Raptors sold out to stop Reaves and LeBron, so Hachimura made them pay.

Reaves is eighth in the NBA in scoring after his incredible night in Toronto. He has gotten better every season, but there is no question he will be an All-Star this year. Reaves has been unstoppable and has played a massive role in the Lakers’ 16-5 start.

If fans knew before the game that Luka was out and LeBron’s streak of scoring ten-plus points would end, many would have predicted a lopsided loss for the Lakers. Reaves wasn’t going to let that happen. He put the Lakers on his back.

Many predicted the Lakers would shop Reaves in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, but it won’t happen. Los Angeles already has Luka’s co-star on their roster. He is about to be paid like one this summer.

Fans were hoping the Lakers would re-sign Reaves for $30 million per year, but that isn’t happening. He is eligible for a five-year $241 million contract this offseason. It will be impossible for LA not to give it to him. He is proving to be one of the best scorers in the world and capable of carrying the team.

Austin Reaves will be making $40-plus million next season. He proved it again in an unexpected win over the Raptors in Toronto. AR will be an All-Star and be in the All-NBA conversation. He is not stopping here.

The Los Angeles Lakers uncovered a gem, and he keeps getting better. Reaves will get handsomely and is a fan favorite. Even on a max contract, the wing may be underpaid. Lakers fans need to accept this breakout is real.