Lakers’ Doncic has third 40-point game to start season

Luka Doncic reaching the 40-point mark in a game is becoming a common theme through the early weeks of this season.

Doncic, returning after missing three games with injuries, had 44 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 117-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, topping 40 for his third straight game to start the season.

The only other player in NBA history to do that was Wilt Chamberlain. Twice.

“He just continues to get where he wants to go, and he takes what the defense gives him,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said with Doncic sitting in the back of the interview room.

Doncic, who shot 14 for 27 from the field, including 6 for 15 from 3-point range, scored 43 in the Lakers’ opening night loss to Golden State. He had 49 against Minnesota in the second game.