NBA: Luka Dončić on fire, 44 points in three quarters as Lakers roll past Pacers

Dončić takes control without LeBron

The Lakers didn’t have LeBron James on Friday night. They had Luka Dončić — and that was plenty.

The Slovenian superstar put on an offensive clinic at Crypto.com Arena, pouring in 44 points in just three quarters to steer Los Angeles to a comfortable win over the Indiana Pacers (128-117). A boss move that put the Lakers in charge from early on.

LeBron, rested to manage a pile-up of niggles in his 23rd NBA season, watched from the bench as his teammate grabbed the reins. Dončić set the tone straight away.

Luka Dončić 44 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 14/25 FG, 7/14 3FG, 74.8% TS vs Pacers https://t.co/OWRj7KHFrT pic.twitter.com/mzah7UJAYx

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 7, 2026

A first quarter on fire

This one flipped quick. Dončić erupted for 22 in the opening quarter, drilling long balls and slicing through Indiana’s defence with ruthless efficiency.

He finished with 44 points, 9 rebounds and seven threes, shooting a blistering 14-of-25. His final flourish came at the end of the third — he banked his seventh triple to cap another run.

On nights like this he’s simply a scoring machine.

Etching his name into Lakers history

This wasn’t just spectacular — it was historic.

Dončić is now the fourth player in Lakers history to hit at least ten 40-point games in a single season, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West.

He also moves into the outright lead in 40-point games across the NBA this season, moving past Anthony Edwards.

Still, his night ended after three quarters. With the game in hand, the Lakers opted to shut him down for the finish.

Lakers roll despite key absences

L.A. led by 19 entering the fourth and never let Indiana sniff a comeback.

Austin Reaves added 19, Luke Kennard chipped in 15 and 7 boards, and Marcus Smart scored 11 on his 32nd birthday.

The Pacers were toothless from deep early — just 2-of-19 from three in the first half. Pascal Siakam put up 26 and Andrew Nembhard 17, but the hole was already too deep.

Even without their starting center Deandre Ayton (knee), the Lakers controlled this one from tip to buzzer.

The win snaps back from the loss in Denver and cements L.A.’s recent form — four wins in five.
Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Check out the rest of the sports coverage on Mathodds!