Luka Doncic Scores 52, Surpasses LeBron for 40-Point Games with Lakers

Luka Doncic erupted for 52 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, marking the first 50-point game of the 2026-27 NBA season ^[2]. The performance also moved him past LeBron James for sixth-most 40-point games in Lakers history, a milestone achieved in just his third season with the team after being acquired in a February 2025 trade from the Mavericks ^[1].

Doncic’s 52-point game was his 10th career 50-point outing, placing him behind only James Harden (16) and Damian Lillard (11) since entering the league in 2018 ^[1]. He also recorded his fourth career 50-point, 10-assist game, tying Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard, and Nate Archibald for second-most in NBA history behind Harden’s eight ^[2].

The Lakers overcame an 18-point deficit in the first quarter, with Doncic hitting a step-back three-pointer with 4.1 seconds remaining in the first half to give Los Angeles their first lead of the game, 74-71 ^[2]. He then sealed the win with back-to-back three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, sparking a 14-5 run to take the lead for good.

Austin Reaves added 29 points, and the duo combined to go 21-of-24 from the free-throw line ^[2]. Doncic praised Reaves, calling him a key part of the team’s resurgence.

Doncic also acknowledged Walker Kessler, who returned to Utah after being traded to the Lakers in July, saying he was “awesome” in his first game back despite scoring only two points ^[2].

The Lakers improved to 3-0 for the second time in the past decade, with their last 3-0 start coming in 2024-25 ^[2]. They next face the Portland Trail Blazers at home on Tuesday.

Doncic told the California Post he hopes to spend his entire career in Los Angeles, calling the team environment “very comfortable” ^[1].