Redick applauds Reaves' 'tenacity' after career night

Austin Reaves had a night to remember Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, tallying a career-high 51 points to lead the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-120 victory.

Reaves joined Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis as the only Lakers players this century to have a 50-point game.

"His tenacity to compete, it's so apparent every single day he's in the gym," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. "He just loves competition. He thrives on competition. ...

"These moments are incredible for him. I think 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."

The undrafted guard rose to the occasion with James, Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Jaxson Hayes all sidelined.

Reaves shot 12-of-22 from the field and 21-of-22 from the charity stripe. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back threes to put Los Angeles up for good.

Reaves also added 11 boards and nine assists to finish just shy of a triple-double.