Luka Doncic recorded 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in his seventh triple-double of the season, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
Austin Reaves added 31 points, scoring 29 in the second half, including a season-high seven three-pointers, helping Los Angeles overcome LeBron James’ continued absence due to injury.
Deandre Ayton contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Marcus Smart added eight points and an assist.
The Lakers improved to 40-25 and pulled even with Minnesota in the Western Conference standings, marking their third straight win over the team that eliminated them in last season’s first-round playoffs.
Minnesota struggled offensively, shooting 37-of-80 from the field and 10-of-40 from three-point range, with Anthony Edwards limited to 14 points on 2-of-15 shooting. Julius Randle added 14 points, while four bench players reached double figures.
Both teams struggled early, with the Lakers missing 17 of their first 21 shots in the opening quarter. Reaves’ 16-point third quarter fueled a 19-point lead heading into the fourth.
Doncic’s triple-double, the 89th of his career, came early in the fourth quarter and ranks seventh-most in NBA history. Reaves completed two four-point plays in the second half, giving Los Angeles a decisive edge.
The Lakers are now 13-8 without James, including 10-2 when Doncic and Reaves both play.
Minnesota has lost two straight after a five-game winning streak and will visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, while the Lakers host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
