Sunday started with bad news, as the Lakers learned that Luka Dončić will miss the next week (at least) with a sprained finger on his left hand, and a lower body contusion. While the Lakers arent' reportedly all that concerned about the long-term severity of either, the schedule isn't kind, here. The Lakers play five games over the course of the week, starting Sunday in Sacramento. 

So no Luka, no LeBron James, no Jaxson Hayes for good measure, who missed another game with a knee injury. 

They'd need something special to win, and man alive did they get it from Austin Reaves. 51 points on 12-22 from the floor, and 21-22 from the free throw line. 11 rebounds, nine assists, only two turnovers. He was spectacular, but he wasn't alone. Deandre Ayton gave the Lakers a massive performance on a night they had to have it, finishing with 22 points on 10-17 shooting, along with 15 rebounds. Marcus Smart brought tremendous intensity. Jarred Vanderbilt was a disruptive force. Rui Hachimura was aggressive offensively. 

So how could this game help guys like Ayton over the course of a week where the Lakers are facing big challenges on the road? Are they capable of splitting the next four (at Portland Monday, then Minnesota, Memphis and Miami)? 

We'll see, but it's huge to get the win on Sunday for a start. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: No Luka, but Reaves steps up big. 

SEGMENT 2: How the Lakers got it done. 

SEGMENT 3: A big night for Ayton. 

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