Austin Reaves exploded for a career-high 51 points, Deandre Ayton complemented 22 points with a game-high 15 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers, playing without injured stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, downed the host Sacramento Kings 127-120 on Sunday night.

Taking the leading role after Doncic was a late scratch due to finger and lower-leg injuries, Reaves surpassed his previous NBA best of 45 points set last February against the Indiana Pacers.

He also found time for 11 rebounds and nine assists, missing what could have been his fourth career triple-double by a single assist.

Reaves drilled six 3-pointers, including three during a fourth quarter run that allowed the Lakers to flip a four-point deficit into an 11-point lead.

Seeking a second straight win after a season-opening lo

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