Austin Reaves set a new career-high with 38 points as the Los Angeles Lakers (22-17) defeated the Brooklyn Nets (14-28) 102-101 on Friday night. LeBron James added 29 points to help the Lakers hold off a late charge from the Nets in a thrilling contest.

Reaves was instrumental in the victory, shooting 13 for 23 from the field and 8 for 8 from the free-throw line. His previous career-high of 35 points was set last season, but his 15-point performance in the fourth quarter, including three crucial three-pointers, ensured the Lakers held on for their second consecutive win.

James, playing alongside Reaves, contributed with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Lakers were without Anthony Davis, who was sidelined due to left foot plantar fasciitis. In Davis’ absence, Jaxson Hayes stepped up, scoring 6 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the starting lineup.

The Nets nearly pulled off a comeback, but D’Angelo Russell missed a three-pointer with 2.6 seconds left. Russell, who was traded from the Lakers to the Nets, had 19 points in his first game against his former team.

Despite the defeat, Brooklyn’s bench contributed significantly, outscoring the Lakers’ reserves 49-15. Russell, Tosan Evbuomwan (15 points), and Jalen Wilson (11 points) led the charge for the Nets’ second unit.

The Lakers took control in the final quarter, shooting 12 for 19 from the field, including five three-pointers. The game was a tightly contested affair, but Reaves’ late-game performance made the difference, and the Lakers managed to hold off the Nets by just one point.

The Nets’ bench performance was one of their highlights. However, their starting five struggled in crucial moments, with Nic Claxton and Ben Simmons combining for just 13 points and 12 rebounds.

For the Lakers, Reaves and James accounted for more than half of the team’s points. Max Christie added 7 points, and Gabe Vincent chipped in 10, though the Lakers’ bench didn’t have as much of an impact as Brooklyn’s.