
Luka Doncic, LeBron James and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers scored a much-needed win on Friday night. They blew out the Washington Wizards, 142-111. This was a welcome development after L.A.’s embarrassing 129-99 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Doncic led the charge for the Lakers on Friday, exploding for 37 points on 13-of-21 shooting, 11 rebounds, 13 assists, three steals and five triples in 31 minutes of action. James chipped in with 20 points on 8-of-16 from the floor, three boards, six assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 30 minutes.
The Lakers improved to 29-18 after Friday’s victory.
Doncic wasted no time making history in this one. He amassed an awe-inspiring triple-double in the first half, tying his own record for the only player to record a 25-point first-half triple-double in the play-by-play era. The six-time All-Star also logged the second-fastest triple-double by a guard in NBA history after just 18 minutes and four seconds.
Doncic wasn’t done rewriting the history books either. After the game, the NBA made another announcement, this time involving James.
“Luka Dončić DOMINATED tonight! He joins LeBron James as the only players in Lakers franchise history to tally a 35-PT triple-double with 5+ 3PM!” the league posted on X.
Luka Dončić DOMINATED tonight!
— NBA (@NBA) January 31, 2026
37 PTS (26 in 1H)
11 REB
13 AST
6 3PM
LAL W
He joins LeBron James as the only players in Lakers franchise history to tally a 35-PT triple-double with 5+ 3PM! pic.twitter.com/AyLHivMItW
More importantly, Doncic led the Lakers to a much-needed win. Friday’s matchup was the sixth contest in their extended eight-game road stand, and they were in dire need of a big victory after Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Cavs.
Up next for L.A. is a matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Doncic and Co. will end their road trip on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
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