Luka Doncic, LeBron James Ignite Lakers Past Pacers

Merlin sees the Lakers defeated the Pacers 137-130, moving to 47-26 and 10-1 in their last 11. Luka Dončić poured in 43 points with seven assists and six rebounds, LeBron James flirted with a triple-double at 23 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and Jaxson Hayes added 21 and 10. Indiana slipped to 16-57 and 1-17. As the story began, "Los Angeles is rolling." Merlin notes this night was proof of momentum, not luck. Dončić’s 21-point first quarter set the tone and the veteran duo kept the offense humming. With the Nets coming to town Friday, the Lakers’ blend of star power and depth will test whether this surge is a playoff-caliber wave or a hot streak that fades.