Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves looked to have made a game-winning layup against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Giving Los Angeles a 117-116 lead with 3.3 seconds remaining, Reaves converted on a tough shot that forced Chicago to travel the length of the floor while trailing by one point.
Converting on a half-court heave for the win, Bulls guard Josh Giddey stole the victory from Los Angeles at the buzzer. This came just one offensive possession after Giddey stole an inbound pass from LeBron James that led to a go-ahead 3-point basket by Bulls shooting guard Coby White.
Despite the loss, this game was another strong showing for Reaves. The 6-foot-5 guard finished with 30 points, including multiple clutch baskets in the fourth quarter. After the game, Reaves sent a clear message on James and what it means to have the NBA’s all-time leading scorer trust him down the stretch of games.
“LeBron is arguably the greatest player ever and Luka is gonna go down as one of the best players to ever play as well,” Reaves said (via Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation). “I’ve said it many times, I barely got my foot in the league and just trying to take advantage of all the opportunities. They trusted me in that moment and I just wanted to try to go be successful for them.”
Austin Reaves on what it means for LeBron and Luka to trust him with the game on the line:
“A lot. Like you said, LeBron is arguably the greatest player ever and Luka is gonna go down as one of the best players to ever play as well. I’ve said it many times, I barely got my foot…
Austin Reaves on what it means for LeBron and Luka to trust him with the game on the line:
"A lot. Like you said, LeBron is arguably the greatest player ever and Luka is gonna go down as one of the best players to ever play as well. I've said it many times, I barely got my foot…
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) March 28, 2025
Reaves had nine of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead basket that would have won the game had Giddey not converted on his half-court buzzer-beater. On the season, Reaves is now averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 65 games.
LA is back in action on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
