LeBron James led the way with 25 points, while Luka Doncic contributed 24 as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Brooklyn Nets with a convincing 125-109 victory on Tuesday night. This matchup marked Austin Reaves’ return to the court after an extended absence due to a strained left calf. Reaves showcased his skills by scoring 15 points in just 21 minutes, aiding the Lakers in maintaining a strong early momentum.
The Lakers started the game impressively, going 20-for-25 on shooting. Jake LaRavia emerged with a notable contribution of 18 points, helping the team wrap up their road trip with a respectable 5-3 record. Their next challenge is against the Philadelphia 76ers, where they will face off at home just hours after the NBA’s trade deadline.
James previously noted the struggle of gauging the team’s potential during Reaves’ absence, as he was averaging 26.6 points per game before his injury. However, the Lakers’ performance on Tuesday night was a promising sign of their capabilities, especially considering the Nets’ current struggles. Brooklyn, fresh off a staggering 53-point loss to Detroit, presented little resistance as the Lakers surged ahead.
The first quarter was particularly lopsided, with Los Angeles making 15 of 18 shots, establishing a significant 45-23 lead. James drew a foul early in the second, and Reaves, despite some missed attempts from beyond the arc, made an impact with a steal leading to an ally-oop dunk from James. The dominating performance allowed the Lakers to build a lead as large as 38 points, ultimately taking a 69-40 advantage into halftime.
On the opposing side, Michael Porter Jr. tried to rally Brooklyn with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Day’Ron Sharpe recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. The loss marks Brooklyn’s ninth defeat in their last ten games, underscoring their ongoing challenges this season.
Looking forward, the Lakers will aim to build on this victory as they prepare to face the 76ers, while the Nets will seek to regroup as they head to Orlando for their next game.