Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Lakers vs. Bucks: Luka Doncic’s 45 Points Not Enough as LeBron James-Less Lakers Suffer Third Straight Defeat

Lakers recorded their third straight defeat.

On Thursday (13th), the Milwaukee Bucks (37-28) hosted the Los Angeles Lakers (40-24) at Fiserv Forum for their first matchup of the NBA regular season. Capitalizing on LeBron James’ absence, the The Bucks took control in the third quarter and, despite Luka Doncic’s Herculean effort, managed to secure a commanding victory with a final score of 126-106. With this win, Milwaukee ended a three-game losing streak, while the Lakers suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Luka Doncic’s explosive first half not enough

For the Lakers, Luka Doncic delivered his highest-scoring performance since joining Los Angeles, recording 45 points, including 29 in the first half and 11 rebounds while shooting 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. With his impressive performance, Doncic joins Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as the only Lakers in franchise history to record 45+ PTS, 10+ REB, and 5+ 3PM in a game.

Apart from Luka, Austin Reaves (28 points), and Dalton Knecht (10 points) were the only other Lakers players to reach double figures.

Luka Doncic with that 2018 James Harden stepback three,

a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/u7ichhlHmw
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) March 13, 2025

Lakers vs Bucks Game Recap

The game started with strong offensive execution from both teams, as they traded baskets early on. With Milwaukee applying defensive pressure on Doncic, Gabe Vincent found himself with open opportunities in the corner but failed to convert.

The Bucks capitalized on mismatches to build a lead, but Doncic responded aggressively by drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, keeping the Lakers within reach. At the end of the first quarter, Milwaukee held a 33-29 advantage.

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In the second period, with Luka resting, Knecht stepped up for Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Lillard attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing fouls and converting free throws. The point guard also connected on a highlight-reel alley-oop to Jericho Sims, extending Milwaukee’s lead to 11 points.

A SQUAD EFFORT FOR THE BUCKS 🙌🦌

Giannis: 24p, 12r, 9a
Lopez: 23p, 4r, 5a, 4b
Dame: 22p, 6r, 10a, 2s
KPJ: 22p, 5 3pm pic.twitter.com/EuoOKP3IfQ
— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2025

The Bucks caught fire from beyond the arc, seemingly poised to widen the gap further. However, Doncic returned to score 10 consecutive points, hitting a series of difficult contested shots to trim the deficit to five. Kevin Porter Jr. responded with back-to-back three-pointers, helping Milwaukee take a 71-63 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. Although Reaves opened the half with a strong sequence, Antetokounmpo quickly took control, shifting momentum in Milwaukee’s favor. After scoring just six points in the first half, the forward found his rhythm with mid-range jumpers and led the team’s transition offense.

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Antetokounmpo dictated play with his court vision, creating opportunities for teammates while also drawing fouls to generate free-throw attempts. Defensively, the Bucks ramped up their intensity, particularly against Dončić, forcing multiple turnovers. By the end of the quarter, Milwaukee had extended its lead to 102-82.

With the outcome effectively decided, the Lakers struggled to mount a comeback in the final period. Reaves attempted to keep Los Angeles competitive offensively, but the team’s defense provided no resistance, allowing Milwaukee to close out a comfortable victory.

Both teams return to action on Friday (14th). The Bucks remain at home to face the Indiana Pacers as they seek redemption for their loss on Tuesday (11th). Meanwhile, the Lakers travel to Colorado to take on the Denver Nuggets.