The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Indiana Pacers behind a Luka Doncic masterpiece. LeBron James was sidelined after injuring his elbow against the Nuggets, but it did not matter. Doncic had his jumper locked in from the start, and fans know that makes number 77 unstoppable. He finished with 44 points and virtually beat the Pacers by himself.
Fans knew it was going to be a special night when Luka went for 22 points in the first quarter. He made five 3-pointers and only missed two of his nine field goal attempts. That is an impressive night for most players, but Doncic did it in the first 12 minutes.
The Lakers didn’t have LeBron, Deandre Ayton, or Maxi Kleber against the Pacers. It was the second night of a back-to-back for LA, and Austin Reaves was struggling to make shots. They needed Luka to put the team on his back, and fans saw what it would be like if LeBron departed in the offseason.
Luka Doncic almost single-handedly crushed the Pacers
LeBron’s future is uncertain. He opted in to the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The Lakers are preserving cap space to upgrade their roster around Luka. Doncic is rumored to be onboard with the plan, but it likely means divorcing King James.
Number 77 showed what he can do when LA needs him most. He finished with 44 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks against the Pacers. Doncic made 14 of his 25 field goal attempts, including sinking seven 3-pointers. The Lakers outscored Indiana by 20 points in his 32 minutes of action. It was an incredible show from the Don.
Luka was getting BUCKETS pic.twitter.com/6Gca9aYn2v
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 7, 2026
Los Angeles needs every victory as they look to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Pacers are in the middle of a gap year and looking to add a high draft pick to a roster that made the NBA Finals last year. This was a must-win game for the Lakers, and Doncic was not going to let them lose.
Luka was unquestionably the guy for the purple and gold on Friday night with LeBron out. That is when number 77 shines brightest. He led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 with a roster nobody predicted to make a deep playoff run.
Doncic’s worst habits can be frustrating, but he may be the best player in the world when his jumper is locked in. It was on Friday night, and the Lakers looked unstoppable. Purple and gold fans can expect him to reach new heights if King James leaves in the offseason. Luka is in his prime and wants to win a championship. That will certainly drive him and the franchise.
The Los Angeles Lakers got a sneak peek at what it will look like with Luka Doncic as the unquestioned alpha. LeBron James was out with an elbow injury, and number 77 had one of his best games of the season.
He wasn't needed in the fourth quarter and still put up unbelievable numbers. That is what Luka does, and it will only get better whenever the pressure ratchets up. Fans should be excited because the best is yet to come.