Luka Doncic makes Lakers history with 44-point effort in win over Pacers

Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times on Mar 7, 2026

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LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic finished with 44 points despite not playing in the fourth quarter and the Lakers defeated the struggling Indiana Pacers 128-117 on Friday night despite LeBron James and Deandre Ayton not playing because of injury.

Doncic showcased his offensive wizardry from the start, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in Lakers history to record 10 40-point games in a season. Doncic also passed Gail Goodrich (11) for the ninth-most 40-point games in franchise history.

Doncic was 14 for 25 from the field, seven for 14 from three-point range and nine for 10 from the free-throw line. He also had nine rebounds and five assists.

He had 22 points on seven-for-nine shooting in the first quarter, making all five of his three-point attempts. It marked the fifth time in his career he scored at least 20 points in the first quarter.

The Lakers (38-25) led 64-51 at halftime and Doncic had 29 points.

Doncic ended the third quarter by banking in a three-pointer with 5.3 seconds left and then pointing to his teammates on the bench. The shot gave the Lakers a 19-point lead.

Austin Reaves had 19 points and five assists before fouling out with 4:58 left. Rui Hachimura scored 13 points and Kennard had 15 points.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana (15-48) with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists.

James did not play after sustaining a left elbow injury against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Lakers coach JJ Redick said James was “still banged up” but said the Lakers think he will play Sunday against the New York Knicks.

Ayton (knee) and reserve center Maxi Kleber (back) are considered day to day, Redick said.