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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James showed his appreciation for his two co-stars on Sunday after Austin Reaves scored 51 points against the Sacramento Kings. James has missed the start of the season due to a sciatica nerve issue, which affected his preseason ramp-up and will leave him out for the first few weeks of the season. More news: Lakers Announce Brutal Luka Doncic Injury News as Star Will Miss Time Despite remaining on the sidelines, James is still watching the games and supporting the team. On Friday, James saw Doncic score 49 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, helping the Lakers secure their first win of the season. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Then, on Sunday, Reaves delivered his own standout individual effort, prompting James to celebrate both members of the backcourt. “Damn that’s crazy we almost had back to back 50 balls. Damnit Don! Sick back court!,” James said, joking about Doncic falling short of scoring 50 points. Damn that’s crazy we almost had back to back 50 balls. Damnit Don! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣! Sick back court! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 27, 2025 With James out to start the year, Doncic took on a heavy offensive load, becoming a high-usage focal point for the Lakers. More news: NBA Hall of Famer Says Lakers Should Have Fired JJ Redick Unfortunately, he suffered a finger and lower-body injury that will keep him out for at least a week until he is re-evaluated. Without James and Doncic, the Lakers and head coach JJ Redick turned to Reaves, a budding star who has been productive when tasked with creating offense. For Lakers fans over the past couple of seasons, Reaves’ performance is not surprising. When James and Doncic are off the court, he has shown the ability to lead the offense. This time, he was able to do so for an entire game. “He was fantastic,” Redick said of Reaves, per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. “Did a little bit of everything for us. All over the place, scored the basketball at an incredible level. But just his tenacity to compete: it’s so apparent every single day he’s in the gym and he just loves competition. “These moments are incredible for him. His teammates see that. I know as a coaching staff, we see that. He just lives in the moment and he’s ready for every single moment that comes. And it’s a pleasure. It’s a pleasure to be around him every day.” More news: Dirk Nowitzki Makes Bold Luka Doncic Prediction For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
