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3h ago

Dončić Drops 42 as Lakers Clinch Playoffs and Pacific in 50th Win

His late-season surge has reopened the MVP debate with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Mar 31, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Raptors Jakob Poeltl (19) wins the jump ball against Detroit Pistons Jalen Duren (0) to start the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) handles the ball in front of Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Overview

  • L.A. beat Cleveland 127-113 on Tuesday for win No. 50, clinching a playoff berth and the Pacific Division after the Suns lost.
  • Luka Dončić returned from an automatic one-game suspension for his 16th technical foul and posted 42 points and 12 assists.
  • He reached 15,000 career points as the third-youngest ever and broke Kobe Bryant’s Lakers monthly mark with 600 points in March.
  • Multiple outlets report Dončić clinched the NBA scoring title as the Lakers went 15-2 in March with seven 40-point games.
  • LeBron James recorded his 1,229th combined regular-season and playoff win to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the Lakers visit OKC on Thursday as Dončić’s MVP case draws fresh scrutiny.