Lakers Beat Bucks as Injuries Spark Doncic Criticism

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-112 for their seventh straight win, improving to 11-2 and the NBA’s best record. Luka Dončić scored 32 points, extending his streak of 30-point games to nine, while Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 23. Dončić twisted his right ankle late in the fourth quarter but said he was fine, and a report said he woke up without pain; the Lakers expected him to follow his usual treatment before their next game against Phoenix. Austin Reaves left with a left heel injury; his X-rays were negative, the team said an Achilles injury was not a concern, and further imaging was planned. Coach JJ Redick said Collin Sexton’s injury and limited backcourt options contributed to his decision to put Dončić back in, a choice former players Baron Davis and Nick Young criticized given the Lakers’ lead.