The Lakers easily defeated the Pacers, with James absent due to injury, and Doncic scoring 44 points, finishing the game in three quarters.

Today, the Lakers hosted the Pacers in a back-to-back. James was injured yesterday, sustaining a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis, so he had to sit out. Ayton also missed the game due to left knee soreness. Kleber remained absent with a back strain. Rui and Hayes started in place of James and Ayton. The Pacers' lineup is decent, so the game was competitive.

After the start, the Lakers' first field goal came from Rui. He shot so well yesterday; it's unclear why Redick substituted him out during crucial moments.

Doncic also hit a three-pointer. Both teams played at a fast pace, and Rui's mid-range shot was accurate.

Doncic continued to sink three-pointers.

Doncic scored on a steal and fast break.

The Pacers executed a fast break, prompting the Lakers to call their first timeout. The opponent continued scoring; Doncic made one of two free throws, and Rui added a dunk plus a foul shot.

Reaves shot a three-pointer that missed everything and was immediately substituted out.

Kennard scored on a drive. Compared to typical shooters, he handles more tasks.

Doncic made both free throws and then hit two consecutive three-pointers.

Kennard also connected on a three-pointer.

Next, it was Doncic's time again: difficult floaters and tough three-pointers. In the first quarter, he was 5-for-5 from beyond the arc!

The first-quarter score was Lakers 35-27 Pacers. Doncic had 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Rui 8 points, 2 rebounds; Reaves 3 assists; Kennard 5 points.

In the second quarter, the Lakers didn't score for over a minute. LaVavia missed a three-pointer completely, and Reaves was fouled on a three-point attempt, making 2 of 3 free throws.

LaVavia finally scored on a floater. The opponent converted a 2+1, and after a steal and fast break by the Lakers, a timeout was called.

About a minute later, Hayes executed a dunk plus a foul shot—that play was electrifying.

Doncic returned to lead the team, again showcasing high difficulty plays.

At this point, his three-point shooting was 6-for-7.

After an opponent's dunk, the Lakers' interior defense was virtually nonexistent, leading to a timeout. Kennard hit a three-pointer and assisted Hayes, performing well.

Smart hit two consecutive three-pointers from the same spot—will the Pacers dare to leave him open now?

A foul was called on the Pacers; they challenged it and failed.

James, not needing to work, sat comfortably watching from the sidelines. Without James playing, do you also find the game somewhat dull?

Halftime score: Lakers 64-51 Pacers. Doncic: 29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block; Reaves: 4 points, 4 assists; Smart: 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist; Rui: 8 points, 3 rebounds; Hayes: 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Kennard: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Vanderbilt: 7 rebounds, 1 assist; LaVavia: 2 points.

In the third quarter, Hayes made both free throws, Doncic scored on a jump shot, the opponent scored 7 consecutive points, and Reaves scored on a floater.

After the opponent reduced the deficit to single digits, Rui's three-pointer brought his points into double figures.

The Lakers led 75-65 entering a timeout. Smart hit a difficult buzzer-beating three-pointer.

Doncic threw a quarterback-style long pass, and Rui finished with an easy basket—a beautiful play.

LaVavia, unsure what's happening recently, missed another shot completely.

Moreover, he missed an open layup under the basket! Truly unbelievable.

On the Lakers' final possession of the quarter, Doncic completed a bank-shot three-pointer, reaching 44 points.

The Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a 99-80 lead. LaVavia scored under the basket—such a play is essentially a gift for Kennard.

Vandrebilt grabbed his own miss and added a rebound.

Reaves hit his first three-pointer today, with no defender nearby.

Reaves led effectively, scoring consecutively, and the Lakers expanded their lead to 20 points.

Kennard's three-pointer is really accurate.

With 5:33 remaining, the Lakers led by 21 points, entering a timeout. Bronny even appeared; both teams deployed substitute lineups.

Final score: Lakers 128-117 Pacers. Doncic: 44 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks; Reaves: 19 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists; Smart: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Rui: 13 points, 3 rebounds; Hayes: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Kennard: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists; Timme: 4 points, 2 rebounds; Vanderbilt: 2 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; LaVavia: 8 points, 2 rebounds; Knecht: 3 points.

Full game stats: