Luka Doncic could be making Los Angeles Lakers fans quickly forget they had a superstar named LeBron James on the roster for eight years. On Sunday night, the Lakers' new face of the franchise unveiled another epic performance, making 17 of 30 shots, including eight 3-pointers, to finish with 52 points. He also hauled in 10 assists and was just two rebounds shy of a triple-double in the Lakers' 132-123 win.
Achieving a 52-point game is one thing, but also finding teammates to score with those 10 assists is another. And that double-double put Doncic in some exclusive company, as he made Lakers history that only two other NBA legends have achieved. According to ESPN Insights, former Lakers greats Elgin Baylor and Jerry West are the only other two players to achieve a 50-point, 10-assists game in franchise history.
Baylor did it twice in his career, giving Doncic a record to aim for if he wants. More news: Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla Sends Clear Message on Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Feud The NBA on ESPN uploaded a short highlight reel showcasing some of Doncic's brilliance from his 52-point performance, including his familiar one-legged, step-back jump shot to sink multiple baskets. Doncic had help in the win, with backcourt pal Austin Reaves contributing 29 points, including four 3-pointers.
Walker Kessler had a quiet night with just two points, and Colin Sexton came off the bench to add 13 points. The Lakers trailed 47-29 after the first quarter, and then turned up the intensity, outscoring the Jazz 45-24 in the second half to take a lead into halftime. This season marked a fresh start for the Lakers, and based on Sunday's performance, they may have made the right decision in making Doncic the cornerstone of the franchise.
Behind Doncic's latest offensive explosion, the Lakers improved to 3-0 in the early season. Ahead of Sunday's action, LeBron James and his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, were also 3-0, but faced a tough test at home against the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers will face some tough tests in the Western Conference, too, including contenders such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
He and the Lakers return to the court on Tuesday, Oct. 27, when they host the Portland Trail Blazers at 11 p.m. More news: Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Calls Out Fan Behavior After OT Win Over Pelicans For more about the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
