A thrilling NBA encounter unfolded on January 13, 2026, as the Los Angeles Lakers, led by the legendary LeBron James, snapped their three-game losing streak with a dominant 141-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. But here's where it gets controversial... LeBron, in his 23rd NBA season, almost achieved a triple-double, falling just short with 31 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. This near-miss adds fuel to the fire of the ongoing debate about his longevity and impact in the league.
Luka Doncic, the Lakers' star acquisition, contributed 27 points and 12 assists, showcasing his prowess and helping the team avoid their second four-game losing streak since he joined. The Lakers' offense was on fire, hitting an impressive 62% of their shots and leading by as many as 32 points in the second half.
However, the Hawks mounted a late comeback, trimming the deficit to 11 points, but the Lakers held their ground and secured the win. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum led the Hawks' scoring with 26 and 25 points, respectively, while Corey Kispert thrived alongside McCollum in their second game with Atlanta.
The Lakers' bench also played a crucial role, with Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton each scoring 17 points. Doncic, despite left groin soreness, hit three consecutive 3-pointers, leading the team on a 17-0 run in the second quarter.
Rui Hachimura, returning from a seven-game injury absence, scored 7 points as a reserve, while the Hawks' Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher remained sidelined due to injuries.
And this is the part most people miss... The Lakers' victory not only ended their skid but also showcased the team's depth and resilience, especially with Doncic's presence.
So, what do you think? Is LeBron's near-triple-double a sign of his enduring greatness, or is it a reminder of his advancing age? And how much of an impact has Doncic's arrival had on the Lakers' overall performance? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments below!
