Luka Doncic Scores 52 Points to Lead Lakers Past Jazz 132-123
The Los Angeles superstar delivered a historic 52-point performance and trusted teammate Austin Reaves in crunch time to secure a 3-0 start to the season.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic delivered a sensational 52-point performance against the Utah Jazz, powering his team to a 132-123 comeback victory and securing the league's first 50-point outing of the 2026-27 campaign.
Doncic put together an offensive clinic, finishing with 52 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds as Los Angeles improved to 3-0 on the young season. His ability to control the tempo, create opportunities for teammates, and score from virtually anywhere on the floor left Utah searching for answers throughout the night.
The performance also earned Doncic another place in franchise history. He became the first player in Lakers history to record at least 50 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and five three-pointers in a single game. Furthermore, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, Doncic became the first Lakers player since Elgin Baylor in 1963 to record at least 50 points and 10 assists in the same contest.
Adding to the milestones, Doncic reached 3,000 career points in a Lakers uniform in just 95 games, illustrating how quickly he has established himself as the centerpiece of the franchise.
Los Angeles initially found itself trailing after conceding 47 points in a terrible opening period, but turned the game around by overcoming an 18-point deficit. Doncic led the charge, repeatedly attacking Utah's defense and creating scoring opportunities that helped shift momentum.
Austin Reaves provided vital support, contributing 29 points and 11 rebounds while shooting four-for-five from beyond the arc. Reaves made the most of a crucial late opportunity, knocking down a 25-foot three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to extend the Lakers' lead to seven points, off an assist from Doncic.
Speaking to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell after the game, Doncic explained his decision to pass rather than chase another basket himself. "Yeah, of course. I mean, he was wide open, and I missed the previous three," Doncic said.
Despite the stellar individual numbers and the team's unbeaten start, Doncic emphasized the need for better defensive intensity moving forward. "We learned our lesson, so we cannot start games like this anymore," he noted, while also praising his new teammates by stating, "I think we have a great group, and you know, I love playing with these guys."