Luka Dončić has wasted little time reminding the NBA just how unstoppable he can be. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar delivered an extraordinary 52-point performance on Sunday night, leading his team to a thrilling 132-123 comeback victory over the Utah Jazz and extending Los Angeles’ perfect start to the 2026-27 season.
Dončić was virtually unguardable, shooting 17-of-30 from the field, including eight three-pointers on 18 attempts, while adding 10 assists, eight rebounds and two steals. It marked his 10th career regular-season game with at least 50 points and the first 50-point performance by any player this season.
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However, the Lakers needed every bit of their superstar’s brilliance after an absolutely disastrous opening quarter.
Utah came out firing, shooting over 61 percent from the field while overwhelming Los Angeles with its pace and offensive rebounding. Rookie Ace Bailey scored 15 points in the opening period, helping the Jazz establish a commanding 47-29 advantage.
Dončić was the only Laker consistently finding success offensively, scoring 17 points in the first quarter alone.
But Los Angeles quickly turned things around. Austin Reaves caught fire in the second quarter, scoring 15 points and providing the offensive support Dončić desperately needed. The Lakers also increased their defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and gradually erasing Utah’s advantage.
Dončić completed the remarkable turnaround just before halftime, drilling a stepback three-pointer to give Los Angeles its first lead of the night at 74-71.
The second half developed into a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to establish lasting control. Dončić added another 14 points in the third quarter, but the Jazz continued responding behind Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George.
Then, with the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, the Slovenian superstar took over once again.
Dončić buried two enormous three-pointers during a decisive 14-5 Lakers run, reaching the 50-point mark and giving Los Angeles a 127-121 advantage with just 1:42 remaining.
The Jazz never recovered. Reaves added another crucial three-pointer in the closing minute, while Dončić completed his spectacular evening with two free throws.
Reaves finished with 29 points, providing an excellent secondary scoring option alongside his superstar teammate. For Utah, Markkanen led the way with 28 points, while George contributed 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Bailey added 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The victory improved the Lakers to 3-0, giving them a perfect start to their first full season of the post-LeBron James era.
