Luka Dončić powers Lakers past Cavs in 50th win of season
Dončić continued to make his MVP mark with his third straight 40-point game.
Luka Doncic #77 tosses a no look pass to LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić's orchestration continued in the Lakers' 50th win this season, marking the second straight year they have reached 50 wins under coach JJ Redick. It’s the first time since the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons Los Angeles has reached that feat.
Dončić went full superhero mode in his return from suspension, causing MVP chants from the home crowd and hitting ridiculous contested shot after shot on his way to 42 points, five rebounds and 12 assists in the Lakers' 127-113 win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday at Crypto. com Arena. LeBron James also reached an incredible feat in a statement win by the Lakers, surpassing Kareem Abdul Jabbar for most regular season and playoff wins all-time at 1,229 games.
James got things started with an instant chase-down block on Donovan Mitchell on the first play of the game along with ridiculous dunks that continue to question Father Time, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves finished second on the team with 19 points (six rebounds, four assists) while Deandre Ayton feasted inside, having six offensive rebounds on his nine total boards with 18 points. The Lakers clinched a playoff spot before their game even started after the Suns lost to the Magic, helping L.
A. clinch the Pacific Division title. “I think it was a confluence of things starting with health," Redick said on the team's success.