Luka Dončić Drops 52 as Lakers Rally From 18 Down to Beat Jazz

Luka Dončić delivered the NBA’s first 50-point performance of the season Sunday, pouring in 52 points with 10 assists and eight rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from 18 down to beat the Utah Jazz 132-123 in Salt Lake City. Dončić hit eight three-pointers and finished 17-of-30 from the field, helping Los Angeles improve to 3-0.

Utah exploded for 47 first-quarter points and built an 18-point advantage, but the Lakers answered with a 45-point second quarter and took a 74-71 lead into halftime. The game tightened again late before Dončić closed a decisive 14-5 run with back-to-back threes, putting Los Angeles ahead 127-121 with 1:42 remaining. Austin Reaves added 29 points, while Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 28. Keyonte George nearly posted a triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.

The performance was Dončić’s 10th career regular-season game with at least 50 points and gave the Lakers another early indication of how difficult their offense can be to contain. Los Angeles has already received a perfect 12-for-12 night from Walker Kessler and now a 52-point eruption from Dončić during its unbeaten start. The Lakers return home Tuesday against Portland with their new-look roster already producing headline performances.