Luka Doncic scores 53 points, Lakers star takes early lead in MVP race
Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers with a standout 53-point performance. The game featured a notable 62-foot buzzer-beater that energized the crowd and solidified his status as an MVP candidate.
Why it matters
Doncic's performance highlights his growing influence in the NBA and his role as a central figure in the current basketball season.
Hear this story LOS ANGELES – Walker Kessler had as good a look as anybody inside Crypto.com Arena at the biggest shot of the night.
The Los Angeles Lakers big man grabbed a Sidy Cissoko airball with six seconds left in the first half, handed the ball to Luka Dončić, set a screen for him and let the Luka Magic happen from there. Dončić launched a 62-footer from the top of the opposite key . The crowd held their breath with what felt more like anticipation than anxiety as the ball floated high in the air before coming back down and banking into the net for yet another unreal buzzer-beater.
"He's incredible to watch," Walker said after the Lakers' 124-118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. "He's incredible to play alongside. He's my MVP. I think it's pretty clear right now."
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