Making history again! James reaches a Lakers career assists milestone, Doncic posts 28+5+9 as Lakers dominate Kings

On March 2, during the 25-26 NBA regular season, the Lakers delivered a commanding 128-104 win against the Kings. The contest saw LeBron James hit a Lakers career assists milestone, ascending to 5th place in team history, with Luka Doncic putting up 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Box Score

Lakers: Luka Doncic 28 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists; Austin Reaves 12 points, 5 assists; LeBron James 24 points, 5 assists; Deandre Ayton 12 points, 4 rebounds

Kings: Russell Westbrook 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists; Nic Claxton 26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists; Cameron Reynolds 16 points, 13 rebounds; DeMar DeRozan 9 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists

Game Flow

The Lakers came out firing, relentlessly attacking the paint to open with a 10-2 run. The Kings mounted a counterattack, but Luka Doncic shouldered the Lakers' offensive load, scoring consistently via drives, free throws, and three-pointers to steady his team. After Doncic hit a step-back three-pointer off a screen, the Lakers led 28-14. The teams traded baskets to end the quarter. At the end of the first, the Lakers held a 36-18 lead, up by 18. Doncic and Reaves combined for 19 points in the quarter, while the Kings went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Entering the second quarter, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart each hit threes for the Lakers, extending the lead further. The Kings, led by Russell Westbrook, began to close the gap; after Westbrook made a three-pointer, the score was 45-59. Late in the quarter, Doncic sank another three, but DeRozan scored from the free-throw line and Westbrook converted a fast-break layup. The half ended with the Lakers leading 64-49. Notably, after James delivered his 3rd assist of the game in the second quarter, his total Lakers career assists reached 3,667, moving him into 5th place on the franchise's all-time assists list.

After halftime, the Kings were the quicker team to find their rhythm, launching a scoring burst to narrow the deficit. Following a Cameron Reynolds hook shot, the Kings trailed 60-70. Shortly after, Doncic once again took charge of the Lakers' offense, scoring inside and out during a dominant 19-5 run that pushed the lead to 24 points. The Kings organized another rally late in the quarter, but LeBron James hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to help the Lakers maintain control. Heading into the final period, the Lakers held a 20-point advantage. To start the fourth, the Lakers went on another scoring spree to widen the margin. The Kings attempted to respond, but the Lakers' offense was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing. After Jake LaRavia's dunk, the Lakers led comfortably at 118-89. With the large deficit and little time remaining, the outcome was decided, and both teams turned to their benches, including Bronny James who entered and attempted a three-pointer. Ultimately, the Lakers secured a lopsided victory over the Kings.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart

Kings: DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, Nic Claxton, Precious Achiuwa, Cameron Reynolds