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mar 28 2026LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-99 on Friday night in NBA action, led by Luka Dončić's 41 points and eight rebounds. The performance marked his 15th game of the season surpassing 40 points, but he also received his 16th technical foul of the season, a sanction that could result in a suspension if not overturned.
The Los Angeles squad needed patience to resolve a game that remained competitive throughout much of the night. Brooklyn, despite its complicated position in the standings, responded with energy and competed evenly against the Lakers, who returned to Crypto.com Arena after a demanding six-game road trip.
Dončić was the offensive engine for the Lakers from the start. The Slovenian point guard made five three-pointers in his 41-point performance, setting the scoring pace for the team through three quarters. However, he was also involved in one of the most tense moments of the game in the third period.
During a defensive play, Ziaire Williams celebrated exuberantly after an offensive foul was called on Dončić. The Slovenian reacted by pushing Williams' arm, which sparked an exchange between the two that ended with double technical fouls. With that sanction, Dončić reached 16 technical fouls on the season, the threshold that triggers an automatic one-game suspension if the referee's decision is not overturned later.
As the game progressed, the Lakers found their decisive momentum in the fourth quarter. Austin Reaves took on offensive responsibility and scored 15 of his 26 points in the final twelve minutes, allowing Los Angeles to extend its lead decisively.
LeBron James contributed 14 points and eight assists in the team's return after a 5-1 road trip that solidified their position in the upper tier of the Western Conference.
Brooklyn, for its part, competed throughout much of the game. The New York squad managed to erase an initial double-digit deficit and even took the lead in the fourth quarter before the Lakers' final push decided the game.
Josh Minott led the Nets' attack with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nic Claxton and Ziaire Williams each added 16 points. However, both starters, along with Noah Clowney, did not play in the fourth quarter.
The game also produced a historic moment for the league. LeBron James assisted his son Bronny James on a three-pointer during the second quarter, recording the first father-son assist in NBA history. Bronny has had limited minutes in his first two seasons, though this week he entered the rotation due to Marcus Smart's injury absence.
The victory marks the 11th win for the Los Angeles Lakers in their last 12 games, while the Brooklyn Nets extend their losing streak to 10 consecutive defeats and have lost 20 of their last 22 games.
