The Los Angeles Lakers lived through a wild night on Wednesday, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-115 thanks to a miraculous buzzer-beater by Austin Reaves. With both LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined, Reaves carried the load for the team, recording 28 points and 16 assists. His performance once again proved that he is the player keeping the Lakers afloat during this tough stretch.
However, the win raised serious questions among NBA fans. The Lakers blew a 16-point lead and nearly lost to a Minnesota team missing Anthony Edwards. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels kept the game close until the final seconds, exposing weaknesses that could become costly in the long run.
More Shadows Than Highlights
Head coach JJ Redick’s squad struggled to maintain control in the closing minutes. While Reaves emerged as the hero once again, the team’s inconsistency and lack of focus continue to create doubt about their championship potential. According to Mundo Deportivo reports, Doncic is watching from the sidelines with growing concern, questioning whether this roster has what it takes to truly compete for a title.
AUSTIN REAVES GAME-WINNER WITH NO TIME LEFT!!! 😱🙌
LAKERS GET THE ROAD VICTORY!!🚨 @TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER 🚨
Your Time Defines Your Greatness. https://t.co/lyy8aK5RWb pic.twitter.com/YrAOB8WCMU— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2025
Now, more than ever, Doncic cannot afford to leave this team on its own. The Lakers desperately need their two main stars back to stabilize their performance and regain confidence. To become serious contenders, every player must take greater responsibility on both ends of the court. The team cannot rely solely on LeBron and Doncic to shine.
This season, both stars have a solid supporting cast, yet something still feels off. Perhaps what’s missing is better coordination, consistency, and urgency in every matchup. The Lakers must maximize every opportunity to collect wins and secure a stronger position heading into the playoffs. If they fail to do so, their postseason ambitions could quickly fade away.
