The Los Angeles Lakers confronted the Boston Celtics without their top two players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both sidelined in the same game for the first time this season due to lower-body injuries.

The Lakers faced the team with the best record in the NBA and managed to secure a 114-105 victory, propelled by an outstanding performance from Austin Reaves.

Reaves delivered a remarkable display, scoring 32 points, including a career-high seven three-pointers, to lead the Lakers to triumph over their longtime rivals. Despite the Celtics attempting to mount comebacks, Reaves consistently responded, silencing the TD Garden crowd. In the fourth quarter, Boston never came closer than six points to the Lakers' lead.

The third-year guard has showcased his prowess in the last two games, accumulating a total of 60 points. Despite being a sought-after player ahead of the February 8 trade deadline, the Lakers have demonstrated their reluctance to part with him, evident in his recent impactful performances.

Social media was ablaze with praise for Reaves' dominant showing against the league's top team:

Josiah Johnson @KingJosiah54: Austin Reaves with LeBron and AD out

NBA @NBA: Austin Reaves hoists from DEEP 😲
28 PTS
7 3PM (career high)
Lakers-Celtics on TNT

Legion Hoops @LegionHoops: Austin Reaves has 7 threes in 3 quarters.
On fire 🔥

Mamba @MambaCelts: Austin Reaves is cooking us pic.twitter.com/Lz3HuNsZ5e

ZIGG🫧 @ziggziah: Austin Reaves without LeBron holding him back

Ethan Shirazi @Ethanshirazi24: Austin Reaves is absolutely fire🔥🔥🔥

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter: Back-to-back games scoring 28 points for Austin Reaves, with 12 minutes to go here, as his 7th triple of the night helped keep LAL on top, at 88-78.

Lakers Nation @LakersNation: AUSTIN REAVES IS ON FIRE

𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ @Stunna999_CELTICS: ON FRAUD WATCH, REAVES FRYING 😭💀

GoldenKnight @GoldenKnightGFX: AUSTIN REAVES IS UNTOUCHABLE

Although the Lakers have struggled for consistency this season, granting Reaves an expanded role could prove pivotal in turning their fortunes around.

With a record of 25-25, Los Angeles should consider providing Reaves with more opportunities even when James and Davis return to the lineup. The Lakers aim to maintain their momentum when they face the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

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