Luka Doncic Scores 49 as Lakers Defeat Timberwolves 128–110

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Luka Doncic Scores 49 as Lakers Defeat Timberwolves 128–110/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic scored 49 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128–110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He became just the fourth player in NBA history to start a season with consecutive 40-point games. The Lakers dominated offensively despite LeBron James being sidelined with sciatica.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) passes the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forwards Julius Randle, back left, and Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center, shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) as guard Anthony Edwards, right, watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Luka Doncic Scores 49 as Lakers Defeat Timberwolves — Quick Looks

Doncic posts 49 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in dominant outing.
He joins Jordan, Chamberlain, and Davis with back-to-back 40+ point starts.
Doncic made 14-of-23 shots and 16-of-19 free throws.
Lakers win home opener 128–110 over the Timberwolves.
LeBron James remains out with sciatica, expected back mid-November.
Austin Reaves added 25 points and 11 assists; Hachimura scored 23.
Anthony Edwards scored 31 points for the Timberwolves.
Bronny James made his NBA debut in the final 3 minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center, drives against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, left, and forward Julius Randle during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles against the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Deep Look

Doncic Scores 49 as Lakers Cruise to First Win of the Season

Luka Doncic delivered another electric performance Friday night, scoring 49 points and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128–110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game marked a strong bounce-back for the Lakers after their opening night loss to Golden State and continued Doncic’s blazing start in a new uniform.

Following a 43-point debut, Doncic became just the fourth player in NBA history to start a season with consecutive 40-point games, joining legends Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Anthony Davis. Fittingly, Davis was the player the Lakers traded to acquire Doncic last winter.

Against Minnesota, Doncic was nearly unstoppable. He shot 14-of-23 from the field, hit five three-pointers, and sank 16 of his 19 free throws. He narrowly missed what would have been his eighth career 50-point game, falling just short after missing his final two shots and a late free throw.

Doncic added 11 rebounds and eight assists, continuing to showcase his well-rounded game. He even shook off early adversity, after tweaking his groin in the previous game and injuring his left hand early in the first quarter on Friday. Despite visible discomfort, he erupted for 23 points in the opening 12 minutes alone.

That first-quarter outburst tied Kobe Bryant and Kyle Kuzma for the most points in a first quarter by a Laker in the past 30 years.

“I just try to be aggressive, especially with LeBron out,” Doncic said postgame. “When we move the ball and play together, everything opens up.”

Lakers Dominate Despite LeBron’s Absence

With LeBron James sidelined due to sciatica, the Lakers leaned heavily on their new star—and he delivered. James watched from the bench in support, proudly wearing an Arizona Wildcats jersey to honor his son, Bryce.

Austin Reaves stepped up in the backcourt with 25 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, providing steady play alongside Doncic. Rui Hachimura added 23 points, while Deandre Ayton contributed 15 in a balanced team effort.

Even without LeBron, the Lakers pushed the pace and punished Minnesota’s defense in transition and half-court sets.

Timberwolves Struggle to Keep Pace

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards scored 31 points and Julius Randle added 26, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ explosive offense. The Timberwolves, who defeated the Lakers in last season’s first-round playoff series, couldn’t match LA’s scoring rhythm this time.

“We didn’t rotate fast enough, and they got hot,” Edwards said. “Doncic just kept making plays.”

The Timberwolves fell behind by 20 early in the fourth quarter, and their defense had few answers for the Lakers’ ball movement and floor spacing.

Bronny James Makes NBA Debut

Rookie Bronny James made his long-anticipated debut late in the fourth quarter, checking in for the final 3:14 of regulation. The 20-year-old received loud cheers from the Crypto.com Arena crowd as he took the court in his first regular season NBA appearance.

While he didn’t register in the box score, his presence symbolized the next generation in the Lakers franchise lineage, drawing attention from both fans and media.