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Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves put together another magical moment to begin the 2025-2026 season on Wednesday night — this time at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With just over 6 seconds left in the game, Reaves received the inbounds pass near half court. He dribbled from a pick, crossed over and drove into the lane. He got to the foul line and put up a floater. The ball whizzed through the net at the buzzer.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) celebrates with teammates after making the game-winning shot at the buzzer during an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Los Angeles secured the 116-115 victory as Reaves’ Lakers teammates mobbed him. He finished with 28 points and 16 assists.
Reaves admitted after the game that he “probably blacked out a little bit” when he saw the ball go through the net and the jubilation he felt afterward.
“What streak he is, I don’t know. I don’t care, but I think last year he established himself as a bad guy,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “This is who he is.”
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, center, shoots and scores the game-winning shot at the buzzer during an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
It is a huge victory for the injury-stricken Lakers, as they are betting big on Reaves, who has seemingly made his mark in the NBA out of nowhere. He was an undrafted free agent who joined the Lakers in 2021. He signed a four-year contract before the 2023-24 season and is making nearly $14 million this season.
But the team has relied on him very early this season, having been without LeBron James and now Luka Doncic.
Reaves scored 51 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings and had 41 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The team moved to 3-2 with the buzzer beater against Minnesota.
“The big thing is he’s established himself as a leader,” Redick said. “It’s big time. That’s what we need from him.”
Reaves reflected on how big the win was, especially after a playoff series loss last season when he had the opportunity to extend the game.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) passes by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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“To have that opportunity for a big road win, especially with a lot of people out, is special,” he said. “We kept jumping and they kept encouraging me to go and do what I do.”
