Lakers Notes: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, West seeding

Luka Doncic did not need much help Friday night.

The Lakers were missing several key pieces but still rolled past the Indiana Pacers, 128-117, thanks largely to Doncic’s brilliance.

The star guard poured in 44 points through the first three quarters, finishing with five assists in what became the Lakers’ fourth win in five games.

“I felt great,” Doncic said, via Broderick Turner of the LA Times. “I felt like I had my legs working. But definitely needed to win this game, so we came out aggressive.”

With the performance, Doncic joined Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in franchise history to record at least 10 games of 40 points in a season.

Coach JJ Redick said the variety in Doncic’s scoring arsenal makes him especially difficult to defend.

“He can make every shot,” Redick said. “He’s a shot maker, but he’s also a playmaker.”

LeBron, injuries

Los Angeles did it without LeBron James, who sat out after suffering a left elbow contusion in Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets. Redick said he expects James back Sunday against the Knicks.

Deandre Ayton (knee) and Maxi Kleber (back) also missed Friday but could return soon.

Winning time

The Lakers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference, though they have struggled against elite competition.

They’re just 3-11 against teams with records above .600, making Sunday’s matchup with the Knicks another opportunity to prove something.