Luka Doncic’s 45-Point Triple-Double Lifts Lakers Over Jazz in Salt Lake City
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December 18, 2025 — Luka Doncic recorded 45 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists on Thursday night, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 143-135 comeback win against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
The Lakers entered the game without Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Gabe Vincent, while Utah was missing leading scorer Lauri Markkanen. Ayton’s absence was felt early as the Jazz controlled the offensive glass and raced to a 41-32 lead after one quarter.
Despite defensive struggles, Los Angeles trimmed the deficit to 78-73 by halftime behind timely scoring from LeBron James, who briefly alarmed the bench with an awkward fall before staying in the contest. Jarred Vanderbilt added energy off the bench with a dunk and a rare three-pointer.
The third quarter featured a flurry of dunks from James and Jaxson Hayes, but mounting frustration led to technical fouls on Doncic, Hayes and Marcus Smart in a six-minute span. Utah closed the period ahead 106-102.
Los Angeles opened the fourth with a 10-0 run ignited by Smart and Jake LaRavia’s hustle plays. When Doncic checked back in, he completed a three-point play and drilled consecutive three-pointers to give the Lakers their first double-digit advantage. Utah cut the margin to four in the final minute, but Rui Hachimura buried a corner three to secure the victory.
The win moves the Lakers to 19-7 on the season. They return to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Saturday before heading back on the road.
Source: LakersNation.com
