Luka Doncic Makes Lakers History With 44-point Effort In Win Over Pacers

Luka Doncic vanished pinch 44 points contempt not playing successful nan 4th fourth and nan Lakers defeated nan struggling Indiana Pacers 128-117 connected Friday nighttime pinch LeBron James and Deandre Ayton retired because of injury.

Doncic showcased his violative wizardry, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West arsenic nan only players successful Lakers history to grounds astatine slightest 40 points successful a play 10 times.

Doncic was 14 for 25 from nan field, 7 for 14 from three-point scope and 9 for 10 from nan free-throw line. He besides had 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

He had 22 points connected seven-for-nine shooting successful nan first quarter, making each 5 of his three-point attempts. It marked nan 5th clip successful his profession he scored astatine slightest 20 points successful nan first quarter.

The Lakers (38-25) led 64-51 astatine halftime and Doncic had 29 points.

Doncic ended nan 3rd 4th by banking successful a three-pointer pinch 5.3 seconds near and past pointing to his teammates connected nan bench. The changeable gave nan Lakers a 19-point lead.

Lakers halfway Jaxson Hayes (11) celebrates pinch forwards Jake LaRavia (12) and Jarred Vanderbilt (2) aft scoring against nan Pacers connected Friday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Austin Reaves had 19 points and 5 assists earlier fouling retired pinch 4:58 left. Rui Hachimura scored 13 points and Kennard had 15 points.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana (15-48) pinch 26 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

James did not play aft sustaining a near elbow wounded against nan Denver Nuggets connected Thursday night. Lakers coach JJ Redick said James was “still banged up” but said nan Lakers deliberation he will play Sunday against nan New York Knicks.

Ayton (knee) and reserve halfway Maxi Kleber (back) are considered time to day, Redick said.