With three starters out, Luka Doncic tried to will the Lakers to a victory with a 38-point, 10-rebound, 10 assist triple-double. He played 38 minutes and 20 seconds one night after playing 37 minutes and scoring 30 points in Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans..James also scored 30 points in Tuesday’s win but sat out Wednesday with right sciatica and left foot arthritis. With him, Hachimura and Reaves out, the Lakers ( 23-12 ) had an average of 61 points sidelined. The Spurs sent a full-court double team to Doncic later in the second quarter. In his record 23rd NBA season, James has navigated new territory at every turn.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 08, 2026 05:45 UTC