Luka Doncic is already rewriting the record books in Los Angeles. The Slovenian superstar poured in 49 points for the Lakers on Friday night, becoming just the fourth player in NBA history, joining Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Anthony Davis, to open a season with consecutive 40-point performances.
His offensive brilliance powered the LeBron James-less Lakers to a convincing 128-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, avenging last year’s first-round playoff exit at the hands of the same opponent. With Doncic orchestrating the attack, the Lakers’ offense looked electric from start to finish, boosted by strong performances from Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton.
Even as Doncic played through pain in his groin and left hand, he set the tone early with 23 first-quarter points and never looked back. Now, let’s take a closer look at the key takeaways from the Lakers’ impressive victory over Minnesota.
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Luka Doncic Continues Historic Start in L.A.
Luka Doncic is making the new start to the season feel like the start of something special. With 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, he once again showed why Los Angeles had no problem trading Anthony Davis to land him in last winter’s blockbuster trade. Doncic joined Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Anthony Davis as the only players ever to open a season with consecutive 40-point games, but what stood out most was how effortless he made it look.
Despite nursing minor groin and hand injuries, Doncic came out blazing with 23 first-quarter points, matching Kobe Bryant for the Lakers’ most prolific opening quarter in 30 years. His 14-of-23 shooting, five three-pointers, and 16-of-19 performance from the free-throw line highlighted a fully controlled offensive display. Beyond the scoring, Doncic’s command of tempo and late-game composure gave Los Angeles the poise of a veteran contender.
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Austin Reaves Shines as Doncic’s Co-Star
Austin Reaves’ continued evolution as a secondary creator is transforming the Lakers’ offense. With LeBron James sidelined until mid-November, Reaves handled more of the playmaking load and thrived under the pressure. He finished with 25 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds on 9-of-15 shooting, picking apart Minnesota’s defense with drives and sharp decision-making.
His ability to alternate between scoring and facilitating allowed Doncic to conserve energy at key moments, especially during the second half when the Lakers began to pull away. Reaves’ chemistry with Doncic is quickly becoming one of the most promising backcourt pairings in the league. The two complemented each other perfectly, Luka’s craftiness inside the arc paired with Reaves’ shooting and floor awareness, turning Los Angeles into a balanced offensive force.
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Offensive Efficiency Defines the Win
The Lakers’ offense looked unstoppable from start to finish, delivering one of their most efficient team performances in recent memory. They shot 59.2% from the field and 41.4% from deep while outpacing Minnesota in both ball movement and shot quality. Los Angeles recorded 26 assists on 45 made field goals and turned the ball over just 12 times, matching the Wolves in turnovers but converting them into 15 points compared to Minnesota’s eight.
The Lakers also outscored their opponent 54-46 in the paint and 11-6 in fast-break points, showing their ability to dominate multiple phases of the game. When Doncic wasn’t creating, Reaves, Hachimura, and Ayton ensured the offense didn’t stall. Perhaps most telling: the Lakers never lost their rhythm, shooting above 50% in all four quarters, a testament to their growing team chemistry.
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Balanced Support Around the Stars
The Lakers’ supporting cast played a vital role in ensuring Doncic’s big night translated into a comfortable win. Rui Hachimura continued his efficient stretch with 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, thriving in catch-and-shoot and midrange situations. Deandre Ayton quietly anchored the interior, adding 15 points, eight rebounds, and a presence that forced Rudy Gobert into a relatively quiet night.
Marcus Smart’s energy off the bench, highlighted by a +24 plus-minus, gave the second unit defensive stability and leadership. Even Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia chipped in timely plays to sustain momentum during Doncic’s short rest stretches.
And while Bronny James’ 3:14 of late-game action didn’t impact the box score, his presence was another feel-good story. For a Lakers team still without LeBron, this win underscored the team’s depth, resilience, and growing chemistry around its cornerstone superstar.
