The Los Angeles Lakers (now 39-25) proved once more that they can win — and win big — even without LeBron James. In Sunday’s 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers improved to 9-2 this season in games where both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves played while LeBron sat out (per Tom Haberstroh’s tracking). That’s not a small-sample fluke anymore; it’s a clear trend.
LeBron was sidelined again with his left elbow contusion (upgraded to questionable earlier but held out for rest/management), but Los Angeles didn’t miss a beat. The backcourt duo of Dončić and Reaves cooked:
- Luka Dončić: 35 points on 11-of-25 shooting (5-of-16 from three), plus rebounds, assists, and playmaking gravity that dictated the game from start to finish.
- Austin Reaves: 25 points on 8-of-16 from the field (3-of-6 from three), 5 assists, and steady two-way impact.
Together, they combined for 60 points, controlled tempo, and created easy looks for everyone else. No other Laker had a massive night—Rui Hachimura started in LeBron’s place and delivered a solid 13 points and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes—but the supporting cast didn’t need to. Dončić and Reaves carried the load, and the Knicks couldn’t keep up.
The analytics back up the eye test. The Lakers have been very good with LeBron or Luka on the floor this season, but surprisingly less effective (in net rating and efficiency terms) when both are playing together. It’s not a knock on the stars—it’s a sign that the offense flows more freely when one of them is running the show with the other off the ball or resting. Reaves has thrived as a secondary creator, and the spacing/pace improves without overlapping ball dominance.
This 9-2 record in Luka/Reaves games (without LeBron) is no coincidence. It shows the depth and versatility LA has built, even amid injury concerns. With LeBron likely returning soon (elbow not considered long-term), the Lakers suddenly have a dangerous rotation: LeBron minutes, Luka minutes, and plenty of overlap where both can play off each other or stagger with Reaves handling the keys.
The win over New York marked LA’s fourth victory in five games and kept them firmly in the top-six mix in the West. The Knicks (a tough defensive team) couldn’t handle the backcourt pressure or Luka’s shot-making.
Lakers Nation, this is starting to feel like a team with real layers. Luka and Reaves proving they can carry wins without LeBron is huge for playoff confidence. How excited are you about the potential three-headed attack when everyone’s healthy? Do you think the Luka/Reaves duo is quietly one of the best backcourts in the league right now? Drop your thoughts below — the Lakers are trending up at the perfect time!