Luka Doncic scores 53 points as Lakers rally past Trail Blazers

For nearly 24 minutes on Friday night, the Lakers struggled with nearly every shot they got beyond the 3-point arc. 

But Luka Dončić ended the first half by making the toughest look of them all, which ended up sparking his team’s 124-118 comeback win over the Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena to continue his historic start of the season.

Dončić recorded a season-high 53 points, to go along with five assists and five rebounds, for his seventh-straight game scoring at least 35 points and his fourth straight game scoring at least 40 points.

Luka Dončić gives a thumbs up during the Lakers’ 124-118 comeback win over the Trail Blazers on Nov. 6, 2026 in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images

It was the league’s leading scorer’s second 50-point game of the season after he scored 52 points in the Oct. 25 road win over the Jazz.

After the Lakers missed their first 15 3-pointers and made just 3 of their 23 shots from distance, the Slovenian superstar banked in a 61-foot, buzzer-beating heave before the second quarter ended.

The Lakers still trailed, 60-53, going into halftime. But their shooting droughts ended there. 

Luka Dončić, who scored 53 points, goes up for a layup during the Lakers’ comeback win over the
Trail Blazers. AP Photo/Mark J. TerrillLuka Dončić shoots over Damian Lillard during the Lakers’ comeback win over the Trail Blazers. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

They blitzed the Trail Blazers in the third, winning the quarter 34-15, with Dončić (20 points) outscoring Portland on his own. 

Austin Reaves added 25 points despite struggling with his shot (8 of 22) for most of Friday. Walker Kessler had a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Deni Avdija drives to the basket during the Trail Blazers’ loss to the Lakes. NBAE via Getty Images

The victory not only moved the Lakers to 8-2 on the season, but they improved to 1-1 in NBA Cup Group Play games.