Luka Doncic recorded his first 50-point performance since joining the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his highest scoring output since the trade that brought him to Los Angeles last February.
Austin Reaves also continued his strong stretch, finishing with more than 25 points for the third straight game.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, it’s Reaves’ longest such streak since a calf injury in November forced him to miss extended time.
The player said he always plays with a strong belief in his abilities, even if he doesn’t always view himself alongside the league’s biggest stars.
“I obviously have delusional confidence in myself when it comes to basketball,” the breakout guard said.
“But when the game’s over and I’ve got to go home and think about it, I don’t really think of myself in the category of some of these other guys. But I just enjoy playing basketball, playing the right way and continuing to get better.”
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton has been productive since returning from knee soreness that sidelined him last week.
Over his past three games, he has averaged 14.3 points and 10 rebounds, as McMenamin notes.
“Felt like I picked up my energy and my focus,” Ayton said. “You know, I finally caught up with the team.”
The Lakers are also dealing with several injury concerns. Head coach JJ Redick said before the game that Maxi Kleber is expected to remain out for a while longer due to a lumbar issue.
The team is also awaiting results after Jaxson Hayes underwent imaging on his back.
Marcus Smart, who missed Thursday’s game because of a hip injury, could potentially return Saturday when the Lakers face Denver.
Lakers Notes: LeBron, Doncic, Reaves, Ayton, Injuries https://t.co/vKjDuzYTDy pic.twitter.com/a6CfF74x1p
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 13, 2026
