Doncic’s 41 lifts Lakers over Nets 116-99 in return to Los Angeles
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The Los Angeles Lakers closed a two-game season series with the Brooklyn Nets by claiming a 116-99 victory on Friday night, March 27, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena.
Guard Luka Doncic paced Los Angeles with 41 points, including 24 in the first half, as the club completed its first home game after a 5-1 road swing. The win pushed the Nets’ skid to 10 games.
Fast start, tight finish
The Lakers opened with a 19-7 burst and led 35-30 after one quarter, but Brooklyn replied with a 16-4 run early in the second to briefly move in front, 41-37. Los Angeles regained control before halftime, yet Nolan Traore’s three-point heave at the buzzer trimmed the margin to 61-59.
Doncic (24 first-half points), LeBron James (11) and reserve Rui Hachimura (six) handled most of the early scoring. Hachimura and center DeAndre Ayton returned to action, while Marcus Smart and Adou Thiero remained out.
Nets refuse to fade
Brooklyn, powered by Nic Claxton and Ziaire Williams, briefly reclaimed the lead at 75-74 in the third quarter. During the period, Doncic was assessed his 16th technical foul after an altercation with Williams, a threshold that triggers a likely one-game suspension. The Lakers entered the fourth holding a slim 85-84 edge.
Reaves ignites closing push
Austin Reaves, quiet through three quarters, connected on three fourth-quarter three-pointers. Los Angeles reached the bonus early, built a 110-99 cushion, and sealed the outcome with consecutive triples from Reaves and Doncic. Brooklyn’s offense stalled late, unable to answer.
Up next
The Lakers stay home to face the Washington Wizards on Monday, opening a back-to-back set at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
