LeBron James and Luka Doncic took command, ensuring Austin Reaves’ return from injury was marked by a convincing Lakers road win over the reeling Nets.
Back at full strength, the Los Angeles Lakers are finding their groove again.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic combined for 49 points as the Lakers welcomed Austin Reaves back, powering a 125-109 bounce-back win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, February 4 (PH time).
James, selected for USA Stripes in the upcoming All-Star Game, scored 25 points with seven assists on 10-of-17 shooting.
Reaves, making his first appearance since missing 19 games with a strained left calf, chipped in 15 points off the bench in 21 minutes.
Despite struggling from three-point range (7-of-31), the Lakers raced to a 45-23 lead and stretched it to as many as 39 points, improving to 30-19.
For Brooklyn, Michael Porter Jr. scored 21 points, while Day’Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams combined for 36 off the bench.
The Nets have now lost nine of their last 10 games.
The Lakers begin an eight-game homestand against the Philadelphia 76ers (28-21), while Brooklyn heads to Orlando to face the Magic (25-23).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.