The crowd in Minneapolis was still catching its breath when Austin Reaves’ jumper kissed the net, sealing a 116-115 Lakers win. 28 points, 10 assists, one dagger, and one very viral aftermath that somehow stretched from the court to Instagram stories and straight into NBA gossip land.

Moments after the game, Reaves’ girlfriend, Jenna Barber, posted a story showing Austin on her TV screen with a cheeky yet forward caption, writing, “A GAME for our guys!!!! @tajalaravia.” A direct nod to Jake LaRavia, Reaves’ teammate, who had dropped 27 points, and his wife, Taja. Fans instantly caught on.

Was this just love and team pride, or a little friendly shade after Anthony Edwards’ “Who is No. 12?” dig at LaRavia? The timing couldn’t have been better.

After Minnesota’s fans asked Edwards who LaRavia was, Ant chuckled and shrugged: “That’s what I’m saying… I don’t know!” It was pure Ant energy. But on Wednesday night, LaRavia made sure the box score answered for him. Meanwhile, Reaves was out there managing and finishing the job with a buzzer-beating midrange that silenced the Timberwolves crowd.

It was everything you’d expect from Reaves lately. Through the regular-season games so far, he’s averaging 35.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, shooting over 57% from the field and nearly 43% from deep. He’s been shouldering playmaking duties in the absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, yet somehow thriving under that weight.

There’s rhythm in his chaos. The chemistry between Reaves and LaRavia has also been one of the Lakers’ biggest early-season surprises. LaRavia, who many dismissed as a rotational piece, looks more confident by the game. His shooting and spacing have opened up Reaves’ driving lanes, and his off-ball awareness has complemented Austin’s improvisational playmaking.

And when both are locked in, the Lakers suddenly look younger, faster, and way more dangerous. But beyond the stat sheets, although still important as Reaves hit a 51-point against the Kings, this story has become one of subtle redemption.

Austin Reaves and the rise of the Lakers’ new core

Jenna’s post was symbolic of how Reaves’ circle has embraced his underdog identity. Remember, this is a guy who went undrafted, earned a two-way spot, and worked his way into being a core piece of one of basketball’s most scrutinized franchises. He’s not supposed to be here. Yet here he is, closing games like a star and making sure the Lakers don’t miss a beat when their headliners sit.

The Lakers’ 3-2 start doesn’t scream dominance, but it hints at balance. Deandre Ayton is finally showing the rim control LA lacked last year. Rui Hachimura is hitting his midrange spots. Dalton Knecht just had his best game with 15 points. And Reaves? He’s the glue holding the chaos together.

It’s early, sure, but his impact is creeping beyond the box score. And with performances like this, Reaves is no longer the Lakers’ feel-good story. Edwards, on the other hand, was still sidelined for tonight’s game.

LaRavia, to his credit, also chimed in on the conversation as he jumped into the comment section with a simple “lol,” turning the viral exchange into a lighthearted punchline.

Call it harmless fun, a mix of fandom and friendly fire. But in a league that thrives on storylines as much as statlines, you better believe Austin and Jenna just gave NBA Twitter enough material for the week. And the next time someone asks, “Who is No. 12?” they might just want to check the box score first.