Austin Reaves added another highlight to his growing reel Friday night, pulling off a wild behind-the-back layup that left fans stunned during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 125-122 win over the LA Clippers.
In his fifth NBA season, Reaves has evolved from an undrafted role player into one of the Lakers‘ most reliable scoring options. His offensive creativity has become a defining part of his game, and against the Clippers, he showcased it in full.
Midway through the game, Reaves drove into the paint with defenders collapsing around him. As he navigated traffic, he moved the ball behind his back in one fluid motion before finishing with a reverse layup on the other side of the rim. The sequence caught defenders off balance and drew an immediate reaction from the home crowd, who erupted as the ball dropped through the net.
A highlight in a very exiciting game
The play stood out in a game that featured multiple momentum swings. The Lakers led just 99-95 entering the fourth quarter, with both teams trading baskets throughout the night. Down the stretch, Los Angeles made enough key plays to secure the win over its in-state rival and come out of the All-Star break with momentum.
Reaves finished with 29 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. He shot 9-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, and was perfect from the free-throw line at 7-of-7. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 38 points and 11 assists, while LeBron James added 13 points and 11 assists. Deandre Ayton contributed 13 points and seven rebounds to round out the balanced effort.
With the victory, the Lakers improved to 34-21 and sit fifth in the Western Conference standings. They currently hold position ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns, while trailing the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles will remain at home for its next contest, hosting the Orlando Magic on Feb. 24. If Reaves continues to deliver moments like Friday’s behind-the-back finish, the Lakers‘ offense will remain difficult to contain as the playoff race intensifies.
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