Luka Dončić Scores 52, Lakers Rally Past Jazz

Luka Dončić scored 52 points with 10 assists and 8 rebounds as the Lakers beat the Jazz 132-123, erasing an 18-point first-quarter deficit to open 3-0. It was the NBA's first 50-point game this season and Dončić's 10th, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He became the first Laker since Elgin Baylor in 1963 to record 50-plus points and 10-plus assists; Newsweek, citing ESPN Insights, said only Baylor and Jerry West had done so in franchise history. Dončić hit a three-point pullup at the second-quarter buzzer for a slim halftime lead and another three to tie it 116-116 with about four minutes left. Austin Reaves scored 29 points; Yahoo said Reaves hit a late three before Dončić closed with two free throws. "It's one of the best feelings — down the stretch, tight game, hitting those threes. Played the basketball we know how to play. We are learning our lesson...we cannot start games like this any more," Dončić said. He also said, "We have a tight group. I think everybody new that came, they feel very welcome here. That's what we want." Newsweek reported a 45-24 Lakers edge; the wire summary called it a 45-point second quarter. Newsweek alone credited Reaves with four three-pointers. The wire listed Lauri Markkanen with 28 points and Keyonte George with 24 points and 10 assists for Utah.