Luka Doncic has broken Kobe Bryant’s 20-year record for the most points scored by a Los Angeles Lakers player in a calendar month. This happened as the Lakers overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-113.
Doncic, who returned after a one-game suspension for picking up his 16th technical foul, scored 42 points. This took his tally for March to 579, beating Bryant’s record of 578, which had stood since 2006.
Doncic’s Reaction to Breaking the Record
“If you don’t win, it doesn’t really mean anything,” said Doncic after the game.
The Lakers secured a 15th victory in 17 games. “So the run that we’ve been on, it really means a lot. We’ve got to keep playing like that.”
James Sets Record as Well
LeBron James scored 14 points for the Lakers against the Cavaliers. He also set an NBA record for the most combined regular season and play-off wins.
He achieved his 1,229th victory and surpassed the previous best set by centre Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“He’s great on both sides of the ball,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick of James. “He’s just doing a little bit of everything at a super-high level for us.
“Luka may get the headlines here and there, AR [Austin Reaves] may get a headline. But really it’s been every single guy, and LeBron has led on that.”
Lakers Clinch Play-off Spot
The Lakers are third in the Western Conference. They had clinched a play-off spot and the Pacific Division title prior to their win.
This was because the Phoenix Suns were beaten 115-111 by the Orlando Magic.
Last month, Doncic became the first player since Bryant to score 60 points in a game for the LA Lakers when they beat the Miami Heat.