Los Angeles won’t forget what they saw tonight. That’s the gravitational pull Austin Reaves had against the Sacramento Kings. News about Luka Doncic missing the game came just hours before the start. Still, Reaves, an undrafted guard turned fan favorite, looked ready to handle everything for the Purple and Gold. Truly, no LeBron James and Doncic wasn’t a problem for the 27-year-old.

Reaves erupted for a career-high 51 points against a struggling Kings team. It got to a point that he was just shooting, and the ball somehow followed his command. Brian Windhorst, in reaction to his scoring outburst, came up with one conclusion.

“I think we have to start with like, look, let’s just be honest here. Let’s just call it how it is. Let’s get the headline out and do it for them. LeBron James and Luka Doncic are holding Austin Reaves back,” Windy said on Hoop Collective. There was some sarcasm to his tone. Of course, Luka Magic and James are among the elite talents in the league.

But Reaves has developed into a perfect counterpart besides them. Even besides Doncic, Austin Reaves scored 25+ in the first two games for the Lakers. With the Slovenian injured, the 27-year-old was tasked with not only being the primary option but also an initiator. And he passed the test with flying colors, flirting with a triple-double to go with his outstanding performance.

Tim Bontemps did argue that the Kings didn’t do well on the defensive end. But a tactical advantage doesn’t always mean players will go unconscious. Reaves’ shot selection and aggression impressed even LeBron James, who called out Doncic for missing his 50-point game against the Timberwolves.

Nonetheless, this was the Austin Reaves game. And it does everything for the Lakers to entrust their future in his hands.

Austin Reaves’ statement shouldn’t go unnoticed

This was the first, but probably not the last time, Reaves takes charge for the Lakers. Luka Doncic is set to miss a week with a finger injury. So the 27-year-old guard is bound to get more opportunities to flaunt his offensive gifts. And the significance of this stretch for the Lakers is crucial. AR has to be paid!

Reaves had the option of signing a four-year $89.2 million extension in the offseason. He declined it, betting on himself. In three games, it’s evident that AR did so knowing very well what he is capable of. Following this season, the Lakers have to think about their future. LeBron James is likely to leave, entering his last contractual season. Austin Reaves has to take that place.

Reaves has proved he can run a successful backcourt with Luka Doncic. It did come under criticism last season, but the tandem has formed a close relationship off the hardwood. Moreover, AR has regularly said he wants to spend his entire career with the Lakers. As a franchise, the logical thing would be to get his signature on a contract extension as soon as possible.

Because if he does enter free agency next season, a number of teams will present absurd salaries. Love for LA might compel Reaves to take a little less. But the option needs to be on the table before suitors get a chance to lay bare their project. Players like Austin Reaves don’t come around often. The Lakers can take advantage and build around him and Doncic, almost guaranteeing a competitive future.

Do you think Reaves will sign a big-money extension with the Lakers? Let us know your views in the comments below.