Sports
Luka Dončić Sets Lakers Record with 49-Point Game
LOS ANGELES, CA — Luka Dončić made headlines Friday night, scoring 49 points in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This performance shattered Jerry West‘s long-standing record, allowing Dončić to become the first player in Lakers history to score 92 points in the first two games of a season.
After a disappointing season opener where the Lakers fell to the Golden State Warriors 119-109, Dončić stepped up in a big way. Teammate Austin Reaves expressed confidence in Dončić’s ability to average 40 points this season, saying, ‘He’s so good, it’s weird.’
In Friday’s game, Dončić shot 14-for-23 from the field, including five three-pointers, and made 16 of his 19 free throw attempts. He also contributed 11 rebounds and eight assists, matching Reaves’ impressive 25 points and 11 assists.
‘I wish we won the first game, but obviously, it’s a good comeback,’ Dončić said. ‘Minnesota is a great team. I wanted to win every game.’
Despite trailing by 11 points in the first quarter, the Lakers fought back, ending the first quarter down only four. Dončić tied Kobe Bryant for the most points in a first quarter for the team, tallying 23 before halftime.
Head coach JJ Redick praised the team’s performance in the third quarter, where they outscored the Timberwolves 40-31. ‘For the first time in Lakers history, the other team called the first timeout in the third quarter,’ Redick noted.
However, Dončić missed a chance to reach 50 points in the final moments of the game. He stopped at 49 after going 1-for-2 from the free throw line late in the fourth quarter. ‘I wanted him to get 50 tonight, though,’ said teammate Deandre Ayton regarding Dončić’s historic performance.
This victory marks Dončić’s first with the Lakers after he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025. His record-setting start has positioned him as a key player for the Lakers, especially in LeBron James’s absence. Looking ahead, Dončić aims to maintain this exceptional form as the Lakers strive to become title contenders.
