Luka Doncic Scores 44 As Lakers Beat Pacers 128-117/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic erupted for 44 points in three quarters to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers played without LeBron James, who rested minor injuries in his 23rd NBA season. Doncic’s scoring outburst helped Los Angeles bounce back after a loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Luka Doncic 44-Point Lakers Win Quick Looks
- Luka Doncic scored 44 points in three quarters for the Lakers.
- The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 128-117 in Los Angeles.
- LeBron James did not play as he rested minor injuries.
- Doncic made 7 three-pointers and grabbed 9 rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter.
- He scored 22 points in the first quarterone of his best opening periods this season.
- Doncic joined Lakers legends Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylorand Jerry West with at least 10 games of 40+ points in a season.
- Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 26 points.
- The Pacers have now lost eight straight games since the All-Star break.
Doncic Leads Lakers Without LeBron
Luka Doncic delivered a dominant performance Friday night, scoring 44 points in just three quarters to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
The Slovenian superstar carried the offensive load with LeBron James sitting out the game to rest lingering minor injuries during his 23rd NBA season.
Doncic finished with seven three-pointers, nine rebounds, and an efficient 14-of-25 shooting performancehelping the Lakers rebound from a road loss the previous night against the Denver Nuggets.
The win marked Los Angeles’ fourth victory in five games.
Fast Start Fuels Lakers Victory
Doncic wasted no time asserting control of the game.
He scored 22 points in the opening quartermarking the fifth time this season he has reached the 20-point mark in a first quarter — the most such performances by any player in the NBA in at least three decades.
His scoring spree continued through the third quarter, where he added another 15 points, including a dramatic banked three-pointer that served as his seventh of the night.
By the end of the third period, Doncic had already reached 44 points, allowing Lakers coach Darvin Ham to rest him for the entire fourth quarter.
Despite sitting out the final period, the Lakers extended their lead and closed out the victory comfortably.
Historic Season for Doncic
The performance added another milestone to Doncic’s remarkable season.
With the outing, he became only the fourth player in Lakers history to record at least 10 games with 40 or more points in a single season.
The only other Lakers players to achieve that feat are franchise legends:
- Kobe Bryant
- Elgin Baylor
- Jerry West
Doncic also moved into the league lead for most 40-point games this seasonsurpassing Anthony Edwards.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Doncic dominated offensively, several Lakers teammates contributed to the win.
Austin Reaves scored 19 pointsalthough he fouled out late in the fourth quarter — just the second disqualification of his career.
Luke Kennard added 15 points and seven reboundswhile Marcus Smart chipped in 11 points on his 32nd birthday.
The Lakers were also playing without starting center Deandre Ayton, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Pacers Continue Losing Streak
Indiana struggled to keep pace throughout the night.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 pointswhile Andrew Nembhard added 17.
However, Indiana’s shooting woes hurt their chances early. The Pacers shot just 2-for-19 from three-point range in the first halfallowing Los Angeles to build a comfortable lead.
The defeat marked Indiana’s eighth consecutive loss since the All-Star breakincluding five straight blowout defeats.
What’s Next
The Pacers will look to end their losing streak when they travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Lakers return home Sunday to host the New York Knicks as they continue pushing for playoff positioning.
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