Lakers Grind Out Ugly Win Over Nets at Home

Luka Dončić's 41 points lead Lakers to 8th straight home victory.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:36am

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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-99 in an ugly game on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 41 points, while Austin Reaves added 26 points. The Lakers overcame a slow start and a third-quarter surge by the Nets to pull away in the fourth quarter, improving their record to 48-26 on the season.

Why it matters

The Lakers' win extends their home winning streak to 8 games and keeps them in the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings. However, Dončić's 16th technical foul of the season could lead to a one-game suspension, which would be a setback for the Lakers as they continue their playoff push.

The details

The Lakers struggled early, trailing the Nets for much of the first three quarters. Brooklyn made a strong push at the end of the third to cut the Lakers' lead to just one point. But the Lakers took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Nets 31-15. Reaves hit back-to-back 3-pointers to open the fourth and spark the Lakers' decisive run. Dončić had another dominant scoring performance, but picked up his 16th technical foul, which could lead to a suspension.

  • The Lakers returned home after a 6-game road trip.
  • The Lakers have now won 14 of their last 15 games.
  • Dončić picked up his 16th technical foul in the 4th quarter.

The players

Luka Dončić

The Lakers' star player, who scored a game-high 41 points in the win. Dončić is facing a potential one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' guard, who scored 26 points off the bench and hit key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers pull away.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran leader, who scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists in the win.

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What they’re saying

“Just playing my game. Trying to get downhill. Sometimes the 3s going, sometimes not. I was trying to touch the paint and make plays and see what the defense gives me.”

— Luka Dončić

“Obviously we didn't play well for three quarters.”

— Luka Dončić

“I'm sure we will appeal it. I didn't see what happened.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will appeal Dončić's technical foul, which could lead to a one-game suspension. If the appeal is not approved, Dončić will miss the Lakers' next game against the Wizards on Monday.

The takeaway

Despite an ugly performance for much of the game, the Lakers were able to grind out a win at home thanks to strong fourth-quarter play from Reaves and another dominant scoring night from Dončić. However, Dončić's technical foul issues could prove costly as the Lakers continue their playoff push.