Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Luka Doncic returned from suspension to score 42 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-113 to extend their impressive form with a fourth straight victory on Tuesday. The Lakers, who have emerged as genuine title contenders after winning 15 of 17 games in March to climb up the Western Conference standings, took control with big quarters either side of half-time to cruise to victory.
The Lakers outscored Cleveland 33-19 in the second quarter and then erupted for 45 points in the third to put the game away. Doncic finished with 42 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds, shooting 6-of-13 from three-point range. Doncic’s latest virtuoso performance also saw him break Kobe Bryant’s record for the most points scored by a Lakers player in a calendar month, which had stood at 578 set in 2006.
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Doncic said extending the Lakers’ winning run meant more than setting personal records. “If you don’t win, it doesn’t really mean anything,” Doncic told reporters. “So the run that we’ve been on it really means a lot. We’ve got to keep playing like that.” Austin Reaves added 19 points while Deandre Ayton scored 18 as six Lakers players finished in double figures. LeBron James finished with 14 points as the win saw him pass yet another statistical milestone. The 41-year-old’s 1,229th career win in regular season and playoff games breaks the record previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Lakers coach JJ Redick singled out James for praise in helping knit the team together during their recent resurgence. “He’s great on both sides of the ball,” Redick said. “He’s just doing a little bit of everything at a super high level for us.” Luka may get the headlines here and there, AR (Austin Reaves) may get a headline. But really it’s been every single guy, and LeBron has led on that.”
The Lakers are now looking ahead to a blockbuster showdown with the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on the road on Thursday.
© 2024 AFP
