Lakers Dominate Wizards Behind Luka’s Triple-Double, LeBron’s Vintage Spark
Sometimes, a game just gets out of hand early-and Friday night in Washington was one of those nights. The Lakers steamrolled the Wizards in a wire-to-wire blowout, and while the final score won’t turn any heads in the long run, the performances on the court certainly did. Luka Dončić dropped a triple-double before halftime, LeBron looked like he hit rewind on the clock, and Deandre Ayton was nearly flawless in the paint.
Let’s break down the night, player by player, and take stock of what this win says about where the Lakers are right now.
LeBron James - 30 MIN, 20 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 8-16 FG, +25
LeBron didn’t just look spry-he looked surgical.
From transition dunks to smart, sharp passes, he dictated the tempo early and often. His presence alone tilted the floor, and the Wizards never really recovered after his first-quarter burst.
He was efficient, in control, and clearly enjoying himself. When LeBron’s this locked in, the Lakers don’t just win-they cruise.
Grade: A
Luka Dončić - 31 MIN, 37 PTS, 11 REB, 13 AST, 3 STL, 13-21 FG, +21
This was Luka at his absolute best.
He had a triple-double by halftime and made it look effortless. The Wizards had no answers for his shot-making, especially when he banked in a deep three that left the crowd stunned.
He orchestrated the offense like a maestro, blending scoring and playmaking with ease. If there’s a blueprint for offensive dominance, Luka just drew it up.
Grade: A+
Deandre Ayton - 29 MIN, 28 PTS, 13 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK, 12-14 FG, +30
Ayton set the tone early and never let up.
He scored the Lakers’ first points and stayed aggressive all night, finishing with a near-perfect shooting line. Defensively, he was disciplined-three blocks, no fouls-and his +30 plus-minus led the team.
This is the version of Ayton the Lakers need: active, efficient, and engaged on both ends.
Grade: A+
Marcus Smart - 27 MIN, 3 PTS, 1 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 4 TO, +21
Smart’s night was a bit of a mixed bag.
While he brought his usual defensive energy, his offensive decision-making left something to be desired. Four turnovers and minimal scoring in a game where the Lakers were otherwise clicking didn’t help his cause.
In a blowout, it didn’t hurt much-but in tighter games, LA will need more from him.
Grade: D
Jake LaRavia - 25 MIN, 3 PTS, 6 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK, +24
LaRavia hustled defensively, but his offensive impact was minimal.
He missed both of his three-point attempts and didn’t do much to stretch the floor. The effort was there, but the execution wasn’t.
The Lakers are still looking for someone to fill the Austin Reaves role off the bench-and LaRavia didn’t make a strong case here.
Grade: D
Jaxson Hayes - 14 MIN, 10 PTS, 3 REB, 1 STL, 4-5 FG
Hayes brought instant energy off the bench.
He ran the floor well, finished strong around the rim, and gave the Lakers a jolt with a couple of highlight dunks. With All-Star Weekend approaching, he’s already in dunk contest form.
He did his job and did it well.
Grade: B+
Gabe Vincent - 18 MIN, 6 PTS, 2 AST, 1 STL, 2-5 FG
Vincent had a quiet night overall.
His most notable moment was passing up a wide-open layup to kick it out to LaRavia for a missed three. It was a head-scratcher in a game full of highlights.
The Lakers will want him to be more assertive when he’s on the floor.
Grade: C-
Rui Hachimura - 18 MIN, 11 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST, 3-5 FG
Efficient and opportunistic, Hachimura made the most of his minutes.
He knocked down a pair of threes and played within himself, giving the Lakers a reliable scoring option off the bench. Nothing flashy, just solid execution.
Grade: B-
Jarred Vanderbilt - 16 MIN, 8 PTS, 2 REB, 4 STL, 3-5 FG
Vanderbilt was a menace on defense, racking up four steals and making life difficult for the Wizards’ ball-handlers.
Offensively, he remains unpredictable, but he found ways to contribute without forcing the issue. His defensive impact alone earns him a solid mark.
Grade: B
Drew Timme - 17 MIN, 4 PTS, 3 AST, 1 REB, +17
Timme gave the Lakers some versatility in their frontcourt rotations.
He didn’t light up the box score, but he moved the ball well and brought energy in a two-big lineup. His floor spacing remains a work in progress, but he held his own.
Grade: C-
Bronny James, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht
These three checked in during garbage time and didn’t play enough to warrant a full evaluation. Still, valuable reps for the young guys.
Grade: N/A
Head Coach JJ Redick
Redick had his squad ready from the jump.
The Lakers jumped out early, never let up, and coasted to a win. He managed rotations well, called timely timeouts when the third quarter got a little shaky, and got his starters off the floor early in the fourth.
In a long season, games like this matter-for rest, rhythm, and confidence.
Grade: B+
Final Thoughts
The Wizards might not be the league’s toughest test, but the Lakers didn’t just beat them-they overwhelmed them.
Luka’s brilliance, LeBron’s control, and Ayton’s dominance were the headlines, but across the board, LA looked locked in. It’s the kind of performance that builds momentum-and sends a message.
When this team is clicking, they’re a problem.