NBA season on Wednesday night. "What tier he is, I don’t know. I don’t care about that, but I think last year he established himself as a bad dude," Lakers coach J.J. Redick said.

Austin Reaves may have given the Timberwolves what they deserved Wednesday night in Minneapolis, serving them a dagger sandwich at the buzzer to give the Lakers a 116-115 win after Minnesota crawled out of a 20-point hole in the second half.

With LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and several other key players sidelined, head coach JJ Redick has relied on Reaves as both the primary scorer and playmaker. Despite the growing injury list — which includes at least five players — Reaves has embraced the spotlight, thriving under pressure and redefining what’s possible for this Lakers roster.

That was until Austin Reaves went bonkers to start the ongoing campaign. By posting 28 points and 16 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, including a buzzer-beater to seal the victory, Reaves achieved a feat no Laker has since West in 1970-71.

Austin Reaves went for the winning shot over Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo, and the moment gained attention from many NBA stars.

Austin Reaves swished the 12-foot winner in the lane right before the buzzer to finish with 28 points and lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-115 victory after the Minnesota Timberwolves had taken th

Austin Reaves has continued to shine for the Los Angeles Lakers in the absence of Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

NBA Week 1: Austin Reaves, Cooper Flagg lead 30 things 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.