NBA Week 1: Austin Reaves, Cooper Flagg lead one thing I'm excited about for all 30 teams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Lakers vs. Trail Blazers ended up with Portland winning 108-122 on the road despite Austin Reaves' 41-point game on Monday.

Almost no one expected the Los Angeles Lakers to be able to match up against a fully healthy Sacramento Kings when both Luka Doncic and LeBron James were set to miss the contest. However, Austin Reaves delivered a career-high 51-point near-triple-double performance to lead the Purple & Gold to a miraculous seven-point win on the road.

Austin Reaves shared his honest thoughts on carrying the Lakers through a brutal stretch with key stars sidelined in October.

According to NBA.com, Antetokounmpo is the first player ever to start a season with at least 100 points, 40 rebounds and 15 assists across his first three games. With Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony already banged up, the Bucks may have no choice but to keep riding the Greek Freak until his wheels fall off.

Reaves has rewarded the Lakers by improving his game each season and showcasing his ability to embrace a leadership role when necessary. That said, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz’s recent trade idea would require the Lakers to send their No. 3 scoring option to a Western Conference foe.

Stephen A. Smith had some tough words for the Kings after Austin Reaves became the second undrafted player to score 50 points.

The progression of Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves going from undrafted free agent to star over a handful of years has been nothing short of sensational.