- Los Angeles Lakers. Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers makes a furious Dallas Mavericks fan protest at a Texas City Hall
- Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James, impressed with the stellar performance of Brayden Burries
Luka Doncic is quickly approaching the version that the Los Angeles Lakers envisioned when they executed one of the most surprising moves in NBA history. The play he made against the Phoenix Suns truly highlights his growing brilliance.
With just over five minutes left on the clock, Doncic pulled off a remarkable step-back move to leave one of the best basketball players on the planet, Kevin Durant, standing still, before draining a three-pointer.
A Magical Night for Luka Doncic
The No. 77 player recorded 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Lakers' 107-96 win, snapping a four-game losing streak-doing so without LeBron James on the court. Austin Reaves contributed 28 points, and Jaxson Hayes matched his season-high with 19, as the Lakers extended their home win streak to seven games after returning from an 0-4 road trip.
Phoenix Suns' Struggles in the West
Kevin Durant finished with 21 points, and Devin Booker added 19 for the Suns, who missed the opportunity to close the gap on the Mavericks for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference after Dallas lost to Philadelphia. Phoenix remains 1.5 games behind Dallas with a game in hand.
LeBron James (left groin strain) missed his fourth consecutive game, but Lakers coach JJ Redick said the NBA's all-time leading scorer is "ramping up" towards a return.
Finney-Smith's Clutch 3-Pointer Secures Lakers' Win
Phoenix trimmed its deficit to 100-92 with less than two minutes left, but Dorian Finney-Smith delivered a critical three-pointer to seal the victory for the Lakers, ensuring they would extend their home winning streak.
Suns' Struggles From Beyond the Arc
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal went a combined 2 of 12 on 3-point attempts. As a team, Phoenix struggled, finishing 9 of 41 from beyond the arc, making it difficult to mount a comeback.