Doncic, James assist Lakers rout Nets in Reaves’ return from damage

NEW YORK — LeBron James scored 25 factors, Luka Doncic had 24 and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night time in Austin Reaves’ first sport since Christmas.

Reaves had 15 factors in 21 minutes after lacking the final 19 video games with a strained left calf. He entered late within the first quarter with the Lakers already properly in management and helped them proceed to pour it on throughout their 20-for-25 taking pictures begin to the sport.

Jake LaRavia scored 18 factors for the Lakers, who completed 5-3 on their highway journey and play subsequent towards Philadelphia at house Thursday night time, a number of hours after the NBA’s commerce deadline has handed.

James had mentioned it was tough to judge the staff’s potential with out Reaves, who was averaging 26.6 factors earlier than he was harm. They appeared potent Tuesday, although it is laborious to guage a lot towards the hapless Nets, who’re solely good at dropping badly.

Brooklyn was coming off a 53-point loss in Detroit on Sunday and it appeared the Lakers may win by much more. They made 15 of their 18 photographs (83.3%) within the first quarter in opening a 45-23 lead, then James scored whereas being fouled on their first shot of the second.

Reaves then missed consecutive 3-pointers, however got here up with a steal and threw the ball off the backboard for James to slam it down. When James later dunked off his personal steal, it was 57-28 and the Lakers have been 20 for 25.

The lead grew to 38 earlier than Los Angeles took a 69-40 result in the break.

Michael Porter Jr. had 21 factors and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who misplaced for the ninth time in 10 video games. Day’Ron Sharpe completed with 19 factors and 14 rebounds.

Lakers: Host Philadelphia on Thursday.

Nets: Go to Orlando on Thursday.