Thursday night’s Los Angeles Lakers win over the Utah Jazz featured several impressive performances from the purple and gold’s top stars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, with the latter achieving some unique history.
LeBron James played 33 minutes, recording 28 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds to nearly achieve another triple-double in his legendary career. His teammate, Luka Doncic, recorded a triple-double with 45 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds.
The team picked up a 143-135 win due to those efforts and others, despite trailing 78-73 at halftime of the away game.
In addition, the Lakers announced Luka joined several of the team’s all-time greats with his latest stat line.
It was the first 40-point triple-double for a Lakers player since 1981, which is eye-opening because Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have played many more games in the uniform.
In addition, Luka joined a 40-point triple-double club, which also includes Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Elgin Baylor. All of those players are in the Hall of Fame, and although Luka’s still early in his career, it seems that it’s inevitable for him.
After the game, a reporter informed Luka that he also had five steals in his 45-point triple-double, something only one other NBA player has done since the league began recording steals. The Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham achieved the feat earlier this year.
More importantly, Los Angeles picked up another win. Luka downplayed his historic performance, saying he believes he’s capable of better ones, a scary thought for opponents to consider.
"Yeah, I think, honestly, I could do some more. But honestly, I think that one turnover is the best stat-wise on this stat sheet. You know, we had seven turnovers, which is impressive for us, and we won the game. In the en,d that's what matters," he said postgame.
The Lakers continue to roll and will next face their in-state rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Saturday evening. From there, they wrap up their road trip Tuesday night in Phoenix, where LeBron gets to play against his recent rival, Suns player Dillon Brooks.
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