Pacific Division Notes: Doncic’s 35 Lift Lakers, Reaves Drops 38; LeBron Questionable, Schröder Injured, Curry Out, Richard Impresses
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Luka Doncic faced his former club Friday for the first time this season and poured in 35 points, five rebounds and 11 assists as the Lakers beat the Mavericks 129-119. Nearly 10 months after Dallas sent him to Los Angeles, the All-NBA guard said the matchup still carries meaning, though the dismissal of former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has softened the emotional edge.
“I’d say it’s a little bit easier now,” Doncic said, adding that games against Dallas “will always be special.”
The spotlight also landed on Austin Reaves. The fourth-year guard, playing in a contract year, led all scorers with 38 points and continues to build a case for his first All-Star selection.
“I’m just happy he’s on my team,” Doncic joked. “That’s probably the last compliment I ever give him.”
Injury Updates
• Lakers: The club lists LeBron James as questionable for Sunday’s meeting with New Orleans because of left foot injury management. It is the first night of a back-to-back that concludes Monday against Phoenix. Guard Marcus Smart, sidelined Friday by back spasms, is doubtful for Sunday.
• Kings: An MRI revealed guard Dennis Schröder has a mild hip flexor strain. The veteran is day-to-day and questionable for Sunday’s contest with Memphis after recently moving to a reserve role.
• Warriors: Stephen Curry will miss at least one week with a right quad contusion. Golden State owns the league’s worst offensive rating when the two-time MVP is out, and head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge of generating points without him.
Rookie Making Strides
Second-round pick Will Richard, selected 56th overall, has earned spots in both the Warriors’ starting and closing lineups thanks to a remarkably low turnover rate. “He’s in the right spot at the right time,” Kerr said. “He never turns it over and makes the game easier for everyone else. I’ve got 100 percent trust in him.”
Source: HoopsRumors
