LAX-RNO regularly prices at under $200 round-trip (at least on the AS-marketed ticket - AA often prices their codeshare on the route a bit higher). Additionally, AS sells their tickets as one-ways, so the one-way price is half of the round-trip price.

If one were to use miles on this route, I believe that they'd have to call and do a partner award (as LAX-RNO is only served as a codeshare on AS/QX metal). For 25k miles, though, I'd shell out the money - especially because it appears that the OP only needs one way on the ticket, and there is no such thing as a one-way award.

Mike