Luka Doncic exploded for 44 points Friday night, carrying the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena.
Playing without LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber, Los Angeles improved to 38-25. Indiana fell again in a season marked by struggles.
First-quarter fireworks
Former Laker Jay Huff opened the game with a block and a three-pointer, helping Indiana seize an early edge. Doncic quickly answered, hitting four straight threes and finishing the period with 22 points as the Lakers moved in front 35-27.
Bench maintains momentum
With Doncic resting, Austin Reaves scored inside and Jaxson Hayes converted a three-point play to keep the lead intact. Doncic returned to sink a mid-range jumper and another three, and Marcus Smart—celebrating his 32nd birthday—drilled back-to-back triples. Los Angeles entered halftime ahead 64-51.
Lead stretches in third
Rui Hachimura kept the margin in double figures with an early three. While Doncic cooled briefly, he contributed a steal and a block, then reignited with two layups and a banked three. The Lakers closed the third quarter up 99-80, with Doncic already at 44 points.
Finishing touch
Reaves and Luke Kennard pushed the advantage to 24 early in the fourth, allowing coach Darvin Ham to keep Doncic on the bench for the remainder of the night. Indiana never threatened again as Los Angeles coasted to the win.
What’s next
The Lakers conclude the homestand against the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon before hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
Source: Lakers Nation
