LeBron James notched his first playoff victory of his 22nd NBA season when the Los Angeles Lakers took down the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in Game 2, tying the series 1-1. As the Lakers prepare to play in hostile territory, Luka Doncic sent a strong message to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer ahead of the challenge.
Both James and Doncic led the charge in the Lakers’ Game 2 win, delivering near triple-doubles. James posted 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Doncic topped the scoring chart with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
With the next two games set to take place in Minnesota, Doncic emphasized the importance of mental toughness and leadership with LeBron to help the Lakers secure a critical road win.
“Me and Bron, leaders of the team, have to keep the team together. Going into Minnesota is going to be a war. Fans are going to be cheering like crazy. No matter what, we can’t panic. We got to stay together, and it’s on me and Bron to keep the team together,” Doncic said in his post-game press conference.
LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The stats seem to favor the Lakers heading into this matchup. The Timberwolves recorded the second-worst home record in the Western Conference during the regular season, going 25-16 at the Target Center.
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LeBron James responds to JJ Redick’s on-air outburst during Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 2
Luka Doncic makes Lakers history in recent victory
The Slovenian superstar has been the driving force behind the Lakers’ offense in the first two playoff games. Despite losing Game 1, Doncic poured in 37 points. In the Game 2 victory, he followed it up with another stellar performance, dropping 31 points and etching his name into franchise history.
Doncic joins Hall of Fame big men George Mikan and Shaquille O’Neal as the only Lakers players to score 30 or more points in their first two playoff games, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
LeBron James keeps adding to Lakers legacy
Not to be outdone, LeBron James also continues to cement his place in Lakers lore. With his 21-point, 11-rebound performance in Game 2, James became the third player in franchise history with the most double-doubles in playoff games, trailing only Lakers legends Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson, per StatMuse.
As the Lakers head to Minnesota for Game 3, the stakes are high, but with Doncic and James leading the charge, Los Angeles fans have every reason to believe in their team’s chances.
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