Particle.news
Download on the App Store
81 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

Doncic Scores 44 in Return as Lakers Win Cup Opener, Joins Wilt With 3 Straight 40s

The victory begins L.A.'s NBA Cup campaign at 1-0 under continued injury absences.

Oct 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Image
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 29, 2025 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • Doncic's 44-12-6 powered a 117-112 road win over Memphis to open group play, moving L.A. to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the Cup.
  • His third straight 40-point game to start a season makes him the second player to do so, alongside Wilt Chamberlain.
  • Marcus Smart returned from a quad contusion and added 12 points, four assists and two steals.
  • Austin Reaves, coming off a prolific stretch as lead option, scored 21 and helped steady the offense.
  • Center Deandre Ayton sat the second half with middle back spasms and later said he expects to be available Sunday, while LeBron James remained out with right-side sciatica.