Luka Doncic dropped 43 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Indiana Pacers 137-130 on Wednesday night.
Doncic sank 15 of 30 shots and hit 9 of 10 free throws, while Indiana’s star Caitlin Clark snapped pictures on the sideline as a credentialed photographer.
Austin Reaves scored 25 points, Lebron James added 23, while Jaxson Hayes tallied 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers.
Los Angeles has won 10 of 11, with Doncic scoring at least 30 points in each. Los Angeles, which sits third in the Western Conference, lost Monday night at Detroit, ending a nine-game winning streak.
On the other hand, Pascal Siakam had 20 points, and Jay Huff added 18 for the Pacers.
T.J. McConnell came off the bench to score 17, and Andrew Nembhard had a career-high 19 assists along with 14 points.
Although the Lakers scored the first 10 points and never trailed, building a 29-point lead in the third quarter, Indiana cut the lead to 131-124 with 45 seconds left.
Jarace Walker trimmed the lead to 133-127 with 28 seconds left, but the Pacers fell short.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton returned to the Pacers’ bench for the first time in a month since being diagnosed with shingles.
Los Angeles played without Deandre Ayton (back spasms). Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) each missed their second consecutive game.
Both teams play home games on Friday night: the Lakers host the Nets, while Pacers host the Clippers.
