Luka Doncic scored 44 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Indiana Pacers 128-117 Friday at Crypto.com Arena.
On his early scoring surge, Doncic said, “I mean, it felt great. You know, I felt like I had my legs. They were working. But definitely needed to win this game. So, you know, we came out aggressive and made the statement.”
When asked about stepping up with LeBron James and Deandre Ayton out, he added, “No, no need. I always want to be productive. But, you know, it’s just next man up mentality. We have great guys on the bench. They help us win this game.”
Doncic also addressed upcoming challenges against strong teams, noting, “Yeah, I mean, we want to win every game. But obviously, I think we suffer a little bit against good teams. So we definitely want to win those games, too.”
He praised Luke Kennard’s impact off the bench, saying, “It was great. I always tell him, you got to shoot more. There’s a lot of times I think he could have the shot, but he didn’t shoot it. But, you know, very fun playing with him. He’s a great guy, too. I’m really glad he’s on my team.”
On playing disciplined amid the threat of a suspension, Doncic remarked, “No, just want to play my game.” He also reflected on defense: “Yeah, I know people not going to talk about it never. So, you know, just trying to do my job, trying to be more aggressive, being more engaged. Just trying to do better on defensive end.”
Regarding his competitive edge, he said, “Yeah, I mean, that just shows that I really care for the game. I want to win every game. Obviously there’s a lot of emotions, but that means a lot of care for the game. This game has given me everything. That’s why sometimes it’s a lot.”
Doncic’s 44 points came on 14-for-25 shooting, including seven 3-pointers, and he grabbed nine rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter. Austin Reaves added 19 points before fouling out, Kennard had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Marcus Smart scored 11 points on his 32nd birthday.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points, while Andrew Nembhard added 17 as Indiana extended its losing streak to eight games. Despite missing Ayton, the Lakers shot 53% overall and 46% from three, securing their fourth win in five games.
Doncic now leads the NBA in 40-point games this season and became the fourth Lakers player with at least 10 40-point games in a season, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West.
