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Luka Doncic Proving Lakers Are Better Off Without LeBron James

Luka Doncic’s 53-point night lifts Los Angeles to a win over Portland in an early-season battle out West, as superstar continues to shine.

By Dana Becker · Sportsnaut

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 7:16 AM

Key Things to Know

Dana Becker argues that Luka Doncic is proving the Lakers made the right move building around him without LeBron James.
Luka Doncic scored 53 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Doncic became only the fourth player in Lakers franchise history to score 40 or more points in four consecutive games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Dana Becker of Sportsnaut argues that Luka Doncic's dominant play is showing the Los Angeles Lakers are thriving without LeBron James. Doncic scored 53 points on Friday night to lead the Lakers to a 124-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, improving Los Angeles' record to 8-2 on the season.

Doncic is currently leading the league with 38.5 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from deep. Becker highlights that Doncic has scored at least 40 points in four consecutive games, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, and George Mikan as the only Lakers to accomplish the feat.

Read the full article on Sportsnaut

Luka Doncic Proving Lakers Are Better Off Without LeBron James

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