Lakers Rally Late, Reaves Shines Bright in Chaotic Comeback Win
For most of the night, this had all the makings of a classic post-road trip letdown. The Lakers looked flat, disjointed, and out of sync-especially after Luka Dončić exited late in the first half with an injury.
Energy was low, focus was scattered, and the offense lacked rhythm. It felt like one of those games that just slips away.
Then the third quarter happened.
The Lakers flipped the switch, storming back into the game and eventually seizing control. The ending was anything but smooth-complete with turnovers, missed free throws, and a near-collapse-but when the dust settled, LA had pulled off one of their more unlikely wins of the season.
Let’s break it down, player by player.
LeBron James
37 minutes, 17 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block, 8 turnovers, 7-17 FG, 0-3 3PT, -5
This was far from vintage LeBron. He had a couple of signature dunks that reminded you he’s still got that burst, but overall, he never quite looked comfortable.
The turnovers piled up-eight in total-and one late miscue nearly ignited a Sixers comeback. He did rack up 10 assists, but this was a night where the King looked a little out of sync.
Grade: C-
Jake LaRavia
23 minutes, 14 points, 2 assists, 3 steals, 5-7 FG, 0-2 3PT, -1
LaRavia made the most of his minutes. Efficient offensively, active defensively, and steady throughout.
The only reason his night wasn’t longer was because JJ Redick went with a hot-handed bench group down the stretch. Still, LaRavia gave the Lakers strong minutes when they needed them.
Grade: B+
Deandre Ayton
20 minutes, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4-5 FG, -13
Ayton was solid in his limited minutes-efficient scoring, decent rebounding, and a couple of rim protections. But he was ultimately the odd man out when Redick leaned on Maxi Kleber in crunch time.
Whether that was about matchup or momentum, Ayton gave what he could before taking a back seat.
Grade: B-
Marcus Smart
31 minutes, 7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2-5 FG, 2-3 3PT, 1-4 FT, -15
This was peak Marcus Smart-scrappy, physical, and constantly in the mix. He played with his usual edge, and the refs let him get away with it.
But he also missed some crucial free throws and was involved in a late-game turnover that nearly swung the result. A classic Smart game: some highs, some head-scratchers.
Grade: B
Luka Dončić
16 minutes, 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3-10 FG, 0-4 3PT, -10
Before the injury, Luka looked off. His shot wasn’t falling, and he struggled to find a rhythm.
Five turnovers in just 16 minutes told the story of a star who never quite got going. The injury only added to what was already shaping up to be a forgettable night.
Grade: D+
Maxi Kleber
26 minutes, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2-3 FG, +23
Kleber’s stat line doesn’t jump off the page, but his impact was massive. Every rebound he grabbed was on the offensive glass, and it felt like each one led directly to points.
His energy, hustle, and defensive presence were exactly what the Lakers needed with Jaxson Hayes unavailable.
Grade: A
Rui Hachimura
35 minutes, 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5-7 FG, 2-2 3PT, +16
Rui continues to thrive in his role. He stepped in for Luka in the second half and delivered, especially during that pivotal third-quarter run.
He was efficient, poised, and hit some key shots to help turn the tide. Another strong outing from a player who’s quietly been one of LA’s most consistent contributors.
Grade: A-
Jarred Vanderbilt
23 minutes, 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 3-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, +16
This was a classic Vando performance-chaotic, energetic, and impactful. He was everywhere in the second half, especially on defense.
But the corner threes? Let’s just say they’re not his shot.
Still, his hustle and versatility were crucial to the comeback.
Grade: B+
Austin Reaves
25 minutes, 35 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 12-17 FG, 5-8 3PT, +5
Welcome back, Austin Reaves. After missing over a month, Reaves returned and absolutely caught fire.
He was unstoppable, scoring from all three levels and hitting a pair of massive threes to open the fourth quarter. His efficiency was off the charts, and his confidence never wavered.
This was one of his best games of the season-and maybe his career.
Grade: A+
Dalton Knecht
One short shift, a few defensive miscues, and then back to the bench. It wasn’t his night, and the rotation tightened quickly.
JJ Redick (Head Coach)
Redick had his hands full early as the Lakers struggled defensively and lacked urgency.
But give him credit-he adjusted. He found the right combinations in the second half, leaned on the hot hands, and managed Reaves’ minutes with care given the recent return.
The zone defense still needs work, but Redick pushed the right buttons when it mattered.
Grade: B+
Bottom Line:
This wasn’t the prettiest win, but it was gutsy.
The Lakers looked dead in the water for stretches, but they found life when it counted. With Reaves catching fire, role players stepping up, and a coach willing to ride the momentum, this was the kind of win that can galvanize a team heading into the back half of the season.