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Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves improvised another magical moment to start the 2025-26 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 incoming pass near midcourt. He dribbled a pick, crossed and entered the line. He got to the foul line and put up a floater. The ball crossed the net at the buzzer.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) celebrates with his teammates after making the winning shot at the buzzer in 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 hounded him. He finished with 28 points and 16 assists.
Reaves admitted after the game that he “probably fainted a little bit” while watching the ball go through the net and the elation he felt afterward.
“I don’t know what level he is. I don’t care about that, 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 winning shot at the buzzer in an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
It’s a big win for the injury-plagued Lakers, as they bet big on Reaves, who seemingly made his mark on 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 heavily on him earlier this season, as they were without LeBron James and now Luka Doncic.
Reaves scored 51 points in the win over the Sacramento Kings and 41 points in the loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team moved to 3-2 at the buzzer against Minnesota.
“The most important thing is that he has established himself as a leader,” Redick said. “That’s a great moment. 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 a chance to extend the matchup.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) passes around 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 so many people out, is special,” he said. “We kept playing and they kept encouraging me to do what I do.”
