By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 62 points as the Los Angeles Lakers secured a commanding 120-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at crypto.com Arena. The win improves the Lakers to 40-25, marking their sixth victory in the last seven games of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
The 27-year-old Slovenian sensation posted his seventh triple-double of the season. In 35 minutes of action, he tallied 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, while adding two steals and a block. Despite LeBron James missing his third consecutive game, the Lakers’ offense remained fluid, fueled by Doncic’s ability to find his teammates and his own shot.
“I think that everybody who stepped on the court did an amazing job. Everybody fought until the end,” he said during his postgame press conference, crediting the roster’s depth in the absence of James, who was joined by Germany’s Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) on the injury report.
Sharing the game-high scoring honors was Austin Reaves, who also finished with 31 points. The chemistry between the two guards has become a focal point for head coach JJ Redick’s rotation. Reaves’ defensive presence and scoring versatility drew high praise from his backcourt partner. “I think he’s just a great player. He’s very talented defensively. He gets to his spots,” noted Doncic.
Starting for the Wolves, Italian Donte DiVincenzo managed eight points in 32 minutes, while Rudy Gobert contributed 12 rebounds but was held to just three points in his 27 minutes on the floor. French reserve Joan Beringer saw limited action, recording one assist in four minutes.