TITLE: Luka Doncic Logs First-Half Triple-Double as Lakers Roll Past Wizards
SLUG: luka-doncic-first-half-triple-double-vs-wizards
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WASHINGTON — Luka Doncic produced a milestone performance on Jan. 30, 2026, steering the Los Angeles Lakers to a road victory over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
The All-Star guard registered 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists before halftime, marking the first triple-double in the opening half of a game in Lakers history during the play-by-play era. He finished with 37 points, 11 boards, 13 assists and three steals in just 31 minutes as Los Angeles secured the win.
“Just playing basketball. Just playing my game,” Doncic told Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell when asked about the early surge. “Whatever the defense gives me. Just trying to get back into the rhythm.”
Doncic said reading Washington’s coverages felt “a little bit like chess.” He added, “Sometimes they’re in a blitz to start the game, then they switch to fire, so it’s just trying to read the defense, share the ball. I think we did a great job today.”
The 27-year-old repeatedly penetrated the lane, forcing double-teams that created open looks for teammates or allowed him to score at the rim. His blend of size, vision and footwork left the Wizards with few options other than sending extra defenders.
With the victory, Doncic strengthened his case in the league’s MVP conversation. Around the NBA, several frontcourt players have reportedly expressed interest in joining the Lakers to take advantage of the easy opportunities he creates, particularly on lob passes.
Source: Lakers Nation
