NBA: Luka Doncic, Lakers start fast, cruise past Pacers

Luka Doncic scored 28 of his 43 points in the first half as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 137-130 on Wednesday in Indianapolis.

Doncic also added seven assists and six rebounds for Los Angeles (47-26), while Austin Reaves contributed 25 points and eight assists. LeBron James flirted with a triple-double, posting 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Jaxson Hayes threw down seven dunks and recorded season highs of 21 points and 10 rebounds.

For Indiana (16-57), Pascal Siakam led the way with 20 points, and Jay Huff added 18 as eight Pacers scored in double figures. T.J. McConnell chipped in 17 points off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard recorded 14 points and a career-best 19 assists as the Pacers rallied late. Indiana cut a 29-point third-quarter deficit to just two possessions late in the game.

The Pacers struggled early, committing four turnovers before attempting their first shot. The Lakers took advantage, jumping to a 10-0 lead and never looking back. Indiana gave up 17 points from seven turnovers in the first quarter, trailing 45-28 at the break. Doncic scored 21 points in the period, hitting 8 of 12 from the floor and 3 of 5 from three-point range. The Lakers shot 16 of 25 overall in the quarter, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc.

Siakam picked up his pace in the second quarter as the Pacers went on a 17-4 run to narrow the gap to 65-54. Despite four turnovers by Los Angeles in the quarter, the Lakers still led comfortably 75-59 at halftime.

After the break, Doncic helped Los Angeles extend its lead to 94-65, scoring 11 points in the third quarter. The Lakers led 105-85 heading into the fourth.

Even after Siakam was ejected in the fourth quarter for his second technical foul, Indiana fought hard, outscoring the Lakers 45-32 in the period. However, Los Angeles held on for the 137-130 victory.

-Field Level Media/Reuters