The Lakers dropped their third straight game without LeBron James, but this time, it wasn’t Luka Dončić’s fault. Despite some inconsistency in the last two losses, Luka put on a strong performance on Thursday night. But a 126-106 loss to the Bucks proved that the Lakers still don’t have anyone who can fill LeBron’s void.
The game started off very competitive, with both teams trading baskets. But the Bucks took control once Damian Lillard hit a deep three to make it 14-8. Luka Dončić tried to keep them in the competition alive with 16 first-quarter points, and Dalton Knecht chipped in with five late, cutting the deficit to 33-29.
The second quarter was rough for L.A. Lillard sparked a 9-0 run at the free-throw line, stretching Milwaukee’s lead. Here again, the Laker’s new acquisition stood tall and fought back, going on a 10-point run himself. But every time the Lakers found momentum, the Bucks answered with open threes.
In the process, Austin Reaves gave a late boost to the team, but they still trailed 71-63 at halftime. However, the third quarter was a disaster for them as Dončić was left carrying the entire offense. And, by the fourth quarter, the Lakers were buried in a 20-point hole.
LeBron’s value should never be questioned on this team. Lakers look abysmal without him. Luka has 45 and it’s still not enough
— Za Morant 🚀 (@NoLimitTeddyy) March 14, 2025
LA struggled to match the Bucks’ firepower without key players like Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Lakers legend LeBron James. Even Luka Dončić’s historic 45-point effort couldn’t save the Purple and Gold from a 20-point loss.
Luka Doncic just cemented his name in Lakers history
Even though the Lakers lost 126-106 to the Milwaukee Bucks, Luka Doncic still made Lakers history. The 26-year-old superstar scored 45 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and hit seven three-pointers in one game. He is now the only third player in Lakers history to have achieved this incredible feat.
Luka Dončić joins Kobe Bryant (3x) and LeBron James as the only Lakers in franchise history to record 45+ PTS, 10+ REB, and 5+ 3PM in a game. pic.twitter.com/BJj6ouqFnp
— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2025
Doncic’s amazing performance puts him alongside Lakers legends LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant. LeBron did it on March 5, 2022, while Kobe pulled it off three times during his 20-year career with the Lakers.
