Luka Doncic matches Kobe Bryant’s record with historic run in Lakers victory over Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 117-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on October 31, powered by a stunning efficiency from Luka Doncic because the 25-year-old matched a document as soon as held by Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.

Cementing his rising affect in Los Angeles, Doncic, showing noticeably leaner this season, was dominant all through as he transformed 14-of-27 field-goal makes an attempt, together with six from past the arc, guiding the Lakers to a comeback win.

The victory marked the Lakers’ fourth of the season and strengthened early optimism that the franchise might once more be a contender within the Western Convention, and Doncic’s newest scoring spree has additionally sparked comparisons with one of many Lakers’ all-time greats.

With 44 factors in opposition to Memphis, Doncic joined Kobe Bryant as the one Lakers gamers in fashionable historical past to common greater than 45 factors throughout three consecutive video games.

The run adopted 49- and 43-point performances, giving Doncic a unprecedented 45.3-point common over that stretch.

“Ah, that is gonna be robust,” Doncic mentioned of matching Kobe. “However like I say, you already know, typically they’re gonna double me extra, typically I will not be capable of rating that a lot.

“I had some, three or 4 photographs that had been crazier photographs than I felt like doing, however they had been horrible photographs, so I gotta, like I mentioned earlier than I gotta work on that.”

Collectively, Doncic and Austin Reaves mixed for 65 factors, outscoring each particular person Grizzlies participant. Their on-court chemistry continues to develop, giving the Lakers a dynamic backcourt whereas LeBron James stays sidelined.

The efficiency drew additional comparisons to Bryant’s legendary scoring potential, notably his 2007 stretch of consecutive 45-point outings that showcased the relentless offensive energy synonymous with the Lakers’ legacy.

Lakers 2025 fixtures: Who do Los Angeles play subsequent?

The Los Angeles Lakers will subsequent be in motion on Sunday, November 2 after they tackle the Miami Warmth on the Staples Heart in California from 22:30 ET/19:30 PT. Followers can watch the sport on FanDuel Sports activities Community Solar, with streaming supplied by Fubo.

LA come into the competition with a 4-2 document via six video games (.667), while the Warmth maintain a 3-2 document via 5 video games (.600) as they attempt to discover their method within the post-Jimmy Butler period.

As LeBron James nears a return from damage, all eyes are on how the Lakers will combine their veteran chief with the high-scoring duo of Doncic and Reaves.

For now, the highlight stays firmly on Doncic, whose early-season brilliance evokes reminiscences of Kobe’s prime and hints at a probably historic marketing campaign forward.

Both method, followers in Los Angeles can get pleasure from watching their staff compete on the sharp finish of the Western Convention as soon as once more because the Lakers chase down a primary NBA championship since 2020.