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Luka Doncic netted 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers delivered a stunning performance of deep shooting to achieve a surprising 126-99 rout over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.
The anticipated clash between the Western Conference frontrunners and the third-seeded Lakers was effectively decided in the first half. Los Angeles sank 15 three-pointers—setting a franchise record—to take a 78-56 advantage by halftime.
The Lakers maintained their significant lead throughout, finishing with a comfortable victory that dampened the excitement of the Oklahoma City crowd.
This victory brought the Lakers closer to clinching one of the four remaining automatic playoff positions in the West, alongside the already-qualified Oklahoma City and Houston teams.
The Lakers made 22 three-pointers during the game, with Doncic contributing five. Austin Reaves added four three-pointers to his 20-point total, while LeBron James contributed 19 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander topped the Oklahoma City scoring with 26 points in a challenging game for the Thunder, who managed only 43 percent shooting from the field and converted just 12 of 37 three-pointers.
LeBron James said the Lakers were resolute about maintaining their intensity following a strong start against the Western Conference leaders.
Six teams are competing for four playoff spots in the West, with the third-placed Lakers vying for position alongside the eighth-placed Memphis Grizzlies.
