ESPN national analysts Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton debate the biggest early-season questions about Victor Wembanyama, Austin Reaves, Cooper Flagg and more.

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a great start to the 2025-26 season. The Lakers entered the season dealing with several injuries, yet they haven’t let that slow them down. A major reason for their strong play has been the emergence of Austin Reaves, who’s stepped up as the team’s clear third-best player.

Austin Reaves has come a long way from his undrafted roots. The Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard, who once had to fight for minutes, is now making headlines with his recent performances.

The New York Rangers have placed Matt Rempe on injured reserve. During the New York Rangers’ matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 23, Rempe fought Ryan Reaves and made his way to the locker room immediately after. Rempe ultimately did not return to the ice and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest with an upper-body injury.

The Lakers selected Bronny as the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, making him and LeBron the first-ever father-son duo to play in the NBA together. Younger James was no doubt aware that it would never be easy for him, given the comparisons, expectations and pressures that came with being the son of arguably the greatest player of all time.

NHL: San Jose Sharks place winger Ryan Reaves on injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings

The Los Angeles Lakers have been able to manage this season without LeBron James and Luka Doncic in lineup with Austin Reaves stepping up his game to make up for the lack of star power.