Record Triple-Double for Doncic, LeBron James: “I Love Everything About That Kid”

After a difficult night in Cleveland, the Los Angeles Lakers needed a response. They got it loud and clear at Capital One Arena: a 142-111 blowout of the Washington Wizards, a wire-to-wire win that restores balance and confidence during an otherwise challenging road trip.

The face of the bounce-back was once again Luka Doncic, supported by a finally dominant Deandre Ayton, in a night that showcased the full offensive potential of the purple and gold when pace and talent are aligned.

Luka Doncic, history repeats itself

The game took a clear direction right from the opening minutes. Doncic put Washington under immediate pressure, reading every defensive rotation and scoring with disarming ease.

The stat line that best defines his night is almost unreal: a triple-double completed in the first half, before finishing with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. Those numbers become even more impressive with context – Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with at least 25 points in under 20 minutes, an extremely rare feat in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).

The only other player to do it? Luka Doncic, in 2023.

In the second half, his contribution shifted from pure aggression to game management: controlled tempo, clean reads, and teammates constantly put in the best possible positions.

After the game, speaking to younger players, Doncic summed up his approach with simple but crystal-clear words:

I’m not really a big advice guy… but to get here you have to work extremely hard. It won’t be easy, a lot of people will try to stop you. If you really want it, you have to enjoy the journey and stay focused.

Luka Doncic

Deandre Ayton, the best version at the right time

Alongside the former Maverick, Deandre Ayton delivered one of his best performances in a Lakers uniform. After a few underwhelming outings, the big man responded with a complete stat line: 28 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 1 steal, shooting an impressive 12-of-14 from the field.

Ayton was steady, strong on the glass, and lethal around the rim, giving Los Angeles the interior presence that had often been missing in previous games. Against a young Washington team, his physicality made the difference from the opening tip.

LeBron James in control, but always decisive

A quieter night statistically for LeBron James, who finished with 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists on 8-of-16 shooting. Still, it was a meaningful performance, especially after his flat showing in Cleveland.

LeBron’s impact was most evident in the second quarter, when he opened the period with five straight points, shutting down any potential Wizards comeback.

After the game, speaking about Doncic, he didn’t hide his admiration:

I love that kid. I love everything about him. I just want him to go on his journey all the way through. I’m happy to be a small part of his journey. I hope he can take something from me.

LeBron James

A win that matters in the West

Regardless of the opponent, this was a crucial win for the Lakers. With Phoenix just half a game away, every victory becomes vital in the race for playoff and play-in positioning.

Six games into the road trip, Los Angeles is now in position to finish at least .500, but the goal remains higher: proving consistency against stronger competition. The next test comes against the New York Knicks on Saturday, February 1 – a far more telling measure of the true ambitions of the purple and gold.