The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a heart-stopping 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on October 29, 2025, thanks to a 12-foot buzzer-beater by Austin Reaves — a shot that didn’t just win the game, it salvaged a season teetering on the edge of chaos. With five key players sidelined, including Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Marcus Smart, the Lakers didn’t just survive — they thrived, thanks to a breakout performance from their unlikely captain.
When the Stars Fall, the Role Players Rise
It’s not every night a team starts without its two best players, let alone five. But that’s exactly what happened. Luka Doncic, fresh off a 49-point explosion against Minnesota just days earlier, was ruled out with undisclosed injuries. LeBron James (40) and Anthony Davis remained sidelined with lingering management protocols. Even Marcus Smart, the defensive anchor who had battled through a right quad contusion since October 27, was downgraded to ‘out’ hours before tip-off. The Lakers’ depth chart looked more like a fantasy draft gone wrong.
Enter Austin Reaves. The 26-year-old guard, who had been quietly carving out a reputation as a clutch performer, turned into a one-man engine. He delivered 28 points and a career-high 16 assists — his third straight game with 40+ combined points and assists after 51 against Sacramento and 41 against Portland. He wasn’t just filling in. He was rewriting the script.
Smart’s Exit, Hayes’s Return — A Medical Rollercoaster
The injury report leading up to the game was a mess. On October 28, the Lakers upgraded both Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes to ‘questionable’ — a small glimmer of hope. Coach JJ Redick offered his trademark cautious optimism: “Hopeful on Jaxson. Hopeful on Marcus. Yeah, hopeful. We’ll see.”
But by tip-off, the twist came: Hayes, 25, was cleared to play after managing chronic left patellar tendinopathy. Smart, however, was not. The quad contusion, which had flared up during the win over Sacramento, proved too much. He missed his second straight game. “We’ll monitor both closely,” Redick said postgame. “Jaxson’s back in the rotation. Marcus? We’ll know more after the road trip.”
The absence of Smart was felt defensively — Minnesota’s guards exploited the gap early. But Hayes, though limited to 14 minutes, provided crucial rim protection and a physical presence that kept Julius Randle from dominating the paint entirely.
Minnesota’s Late Surge and the Buzzer-Beater That Broke Hearts
For 35 minutes, the Lakers looked in control. They built a 20-point lead late in the third quarter, fueled by Reaves’ playmaking and Jake LaRavia’s 27 points on 10-for-11 shooting — the most efficient game of his career. DeAndre Ayton added 17 and 10, anchoring the paint.
Then, with 4:01 left, everything flipped. A Reaves three gave the Lakers a 112-101 lead. But the Timberwolves, led by Julius Randle (33 points) and Jaden McDaniels (30 points, 7 rebounds), unleashed a 14-2 run. Randle’s finger roll with 10.2 seconds left gave Minnesota a 115-114 lead. The crowd erupted. The Lakers’ bench sat frozen.
Then, Reaves inbounded. He dribbled right, crossed over, stepped back — and released. No defender close. No time left. Swish. The arena went silent. The Lakers’ bench exploded. Reaves, arms raised, didn’t celebrate — he just looked up at the scoreboard, as if still processing.
What This Win Means for the Lakers’ Season
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. With five starters out, the Lakers didn’t fold. They adapted. They leaned on depth, grit, and one player who suddenly became the face of the franchise by default. Reaves’ three-game scoring binge — 51, 41, 28 — has turned him into the league’s most unexpected breakout story. And it’s happening without the usual safety nets.
For the Timberwolves, the loss stings. Without Anthony Edwards (out with a foot injury) and with Jaylen Clark questionable, they lacked the explosive wing play to close out the game. Randle carried them — but not enough.
The Lakers’ record improved to 3-2. The Timberwolves fell to 2-3. But beyond the standings, this game revealed something deeper: Los Angeles’s ability to win without stars. That’s not a flaw. It’s a foundation.
What’s Next?
The Lakers now head on a five-game road trip, starting in Oklahoma City. Redick confirmed both Smart and Hayes will travel with the team — Smart for rehab, Hayes for rotation depth. “We’re not counting anyone out,” he said. “Not yet.”
Meanwhile, the league is watching Reaves. Is this a flash in the pan? Or the emergence of a true lead guard? If he keeps this up, the Lakers might not need Doncic or James to be 100% — they might just need him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Austin Reaves manage to carry the Lakers with so many stars out?
Reaves stepped into a void created by the absence of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Marcus Smart, becoming the primary ballhandler and scoring option. His three-game scoring streak — 51, 41, and 28 points — combined with elite playmaking (16 assists in this game), showed he’s adapted to a lead guard role with remarkable poise. His efficiency and clutch shooting under pressure suggest this isn’t just a hot streak — it’s a transformation.
Why was Marcus Smart ruled out despite being listed as 'questionable'?
Smart exited the Sacramento game on October 27 with a right quad contusion, and while initial updates suggested improvement, his mobility remained restricted during pregame warmups on October 29. The Lakers’ medical staff opted for caution, fearing further strain. This was his second consecutive game missed, and while he’s expected to return on the upcoming road trip, his availability remains day-to-day.
What impact did Jaxson Hayes’s return have on the game?
Hayes, returning from chronic left patellar tendinopathy, played just 14 minutes but provided critical rim protection and physicality. He blocked two shots and altered several others, helping contain Julius Randle’s post moves. Though he didn’t score, his presence allowed DeAndre Ayton to stay fresher and focus more on offense — a subtle but vital contribution.
How does this win affect the Lakers’ playoff chances?
With a 3-2 record, the Lakers are on pace for a top-four seed in the Western Conference — but only if they maintain this level of play without their stars. This win proves they can win without Doncic or James, which is crucial for postseason survival. If Reaves continues his ascent and Smart returns healthy, they could be a dangerous, balanced team come April.
What’s the status of Anthony Edwards and other Timberwolves players?
Anthony Edwards remains out with a foot injury that has sidelined him since October 26. Jaylen Clark missed the game with a left calf strain, and two-way players Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky were also ruled out. The Timberwolves’ depth took a hit, and while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels carried the scoring load, the lack of explosive perimeter options cost them in crunch time.
Is this the start of a new era for the Lakers?
It might be. With James and Davis aging and Doncic’s health uncertain, the Lakers are being forced to build a new identity. Reaves’ emergence as a reliable lead guard, paired with Ayton’s dominance and LaRavia’s efficiency, suggests a more balanced, less star-dependent team could be viable. This win wasn’t just about one shot — it was the first sign of a team learning to win without its legends.
