Lakers Bounce Back in a Big Way, Dominate Wizards Behind Ayton and Doncic
After taking a tough 30-point loss to the Cavaliers earlier in the week, the Lakers were in need of a get-right game. Enter the Washington Wizards - a team that’s had its fair share of struggles this season - and the Lakers wasted no time taking full advantage.
From the opening tip, Los Angeles looked like a team on a mission. They built a double-digit lead before the first quarter was even halfway done and never looked back.
By halftime, they were up 77-48 and cruising. The third quarter saw that lead balloon to 38 points, and from there, it was all but over.
The Lakers walked away with a 142-111 blowout win that not only helped erase the sting of Wednesday’s loss but also bumped them up to fifth in the Western Conference at 29-18.
This was one of those nights where everything clicked. The Lakers shot a scorching 61.2% from the field, knocked down 42.4% of their threes, and racked up 38 assists - a clear sign of the ball moving with purpose.
They dominated the paint with 66 points, ran in transition for 26 fast-break points, and won the rebounding battle by seven. Simply put, they imposed their will.
Let’s break down how the key contributors fared in this bounce-back performance:
Deandre Ayton: A
If there was a player who needed a breakout night, it was Ayton - and he delivered in a big way. He looked energized, engaged, and flat-out dominant in the paint.
Ayton poured in 28 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-14 shooting, just one point shy of matching his season high. His teammates fed him early and often, and he rewarded them by finishing at the rim with authority.
But it wasn’t just the scoring. Ayton added 13 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and a steal in just 29 minutes.
He controlled the glass, protected the rim, and looked every bit the two-way presence the Lakers need him to be. This was Ayton at his best - and it came at the perfect time.
Luka Doncic: A
Doncic had himself a night - and a half. Literally.
He notched a triple-double in the first half, finishing the opening two quarters with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. That marked just the second time in his career he’s accomplished that feat in one half, and it was the first time any Laker has done it.
He wasn’t done. Doncic added 11 more points in the third quarter and finished with a monster stat line: 37 points on 13-of-21 shooting (6-of-13 from three), 13 assists, 11 rebounds, and three steals in just over 30 minutes.
The only blemish? Five turnovers, with a couple coming late in the third when the Wizards started pressing full court.
Still, this was a statement game to cap off what’s been a stellar January for the All-NBA guard.
LeBron James: B
On a night when the Lakers didn’t need him to carry the load, LeBron played the role of efficient facilitator and occasional highlight machine. He scored 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including 2-of-3 from deep, and added six assists, three rebounds, and two steals in just under 30 minutes.
LeBron also reminded everyone that even at 41, he’s still got springs in those legs. He threw down multiple dunks, including a left-handed poster over Alex Sarr - the league’s second-leading shot-blocker. Nights like this, where he can conserve energy and still make an impact, are huge for the Lakers’ long-term outlook.
Jake LaRavia: C
LaRavia didn’t light up the scoreboard - just three points on three shot attempts - but he found other ways to contribute. He grabbed six boards, came up with three steals, blocked a shot, and added an assist in 25 minutes. His activity on defense and on the glass helped keep the energy high, even if the offensive output was minimal.
Marcus Smart: D+
It was a quiet and somewhat sloppy night for Smart. He only took two shots (both threes), making one, and finished with four points.
He added four assists, a rebound, and a steal, but also turned the ball over four times in 27 minutes. The Lakers will want more composure and impact from their veteran guard moving forward.
Rui Hachimura: B
Hachimura gave the Lakers a nice boost off the bench, scoring 11 points in 18 minutes on 3-of-5 shooting, including two makes from beyond the arc. He added two rebounds and two assists, and his spacing helped open up driving lanes for the playmakers.
Jaxson Hayes: B+/A-
Hayes made his presence felt in just 14 minutes of action. He scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting - all in the first half - and added three rebounds, an assist, and a steal. His energy and efficiency were exactly what the Lakers needed from their backup big.
Gabe Vincent: B-
Vincent played 18 minutes and stuck to his role as a floor spacer. He attempted five threes, hitting two, and finished with six points, two assists, and a steal. Solid, if unspectacular, but steady contributions like this help keep the offense humming.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B
Vanderbilt was active on both ends in his 16 minutes. He scored eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, including a three, and added two rebounds and an assist. But where he really made his mark was on defense - his energy led to four steals, and he helped set the tone with his hustle.
Drew Timme: B-
Timme got extended minutes thanks to the blowout and made the most of them. In 17 minutes, he scored four points on 1-of-2 shooting, dished out three assists, and grabbed a rebound. He looked comfortable in the flow of the offense and showed some nice passing instincts.
Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Maxi Kleber: Incomplete
All three saw limited run in garbage time but still managed to leave a mark. Each scored four points.
Bronny brought the house down with a transition dunk that had the D.C. crowd buzzing. Kleber added three boards and an assist, while Knecht chipped in a rebound and a steal.
What’s Next
The Lakers now turn their focus to a Sunday showdown at Madison Square Garden against a red-hot Knicks team riding a five-game win streak. It’s a marquee matchup and a chance for L.A. to keep the momentum rolling - but it’ll take another locked-in performance to get it done in one of basketball’s most iconic arenas.
For now, though, the Lakers can breathe easy. They needed a response, and they delivered one in emphatic fashion.