Luka Doncic Triple Double Lifts Lakers Over Jazz

Merlin sees Luka Dončić put on a show, pouring in 45 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds and five steals to carry the Los Angeles Lakers to a 143 135 road win over the Utah Jazz. The Lakers trailed after a 41 point first quarter and faced a late push, but Luka scored nine points in a 2 minute span in the fourth to flip the game, while LeBron James added 28 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds and every starter scored at least 13 despite the absence of Austin Reaves. Merlin senses more than a great night. That stat line deepens Luka s MVP case and shows he can close games under pressure, but the early defensive lapses are a warning. The true test arrives Saturday at the Intuit Dome against the Clippers, where Luka s magic will meet a louder crowd and sterner defense.