Anthony Davis delivered a stellar performance with 36 points and 16 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 26 points and 10 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers achieved their highest-scoring game in 37 years, defeating the Indiana Pacers 150-145 on Sunday night. 

Spencer Dinwiddie also played a key role, scoring 26 points in his most impressive offensive display since joining the Lakers. The victory marked the Lakers’ third consecutive win and their fifth win in seven games. Although the Lakers held a comfortable 116-99 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Pacers mounted a late comeback, narrowing the gap to three points and scoring 46 points in the final period.

In the final minute of the game, the Lakers secured the win by scoring 10 points, including six crucial free throws by Austin Reaves, who finished with 25 points. The Lakers’ scoring output in this game was the highest they had achieved since January 2, 1987, making it a significant achievement for the 17-time NBA champion team.

LeBron James acknowledged the Pacers’ offensive firepower, stating that they never give up regardless of the scoreline, making the victory even more satisfying for the Lakers. Although the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton made two late 3-pointers to trim the Lakers’ lead to three points with 20 seconds remaining, the Lakers managed to hold on and secure the win.

Anthony Davis expressed disappointment with the Lakers’ defensive performance, acknowledging that they allowed the Pacers to score 145 points. Despite their offensive prowess, Davis emphasized the need for improved defense, particularly against teams in vulnerable positions. Nevertheless, the Lakers considered the win valuable, but also acknowledged the importance of learning from their defensive lapses.

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle expressed frustration with the significant discrepancy in free throw attempts between the two teams, as the Lakers shot 43 free throws compared to the Pacers’ 16. The foul count was also heavily skewed in favor of the Lakers, with 31 fouls called against the Pacers and only 14 against the Lakers.

Pascal Siakam stood out for the Pacers, scoring 36 points, with 19 of those coming in the third quarter. Despite Siakam’s efforts and contributions from Myles Turner and TJ McConnell, the Pacers struggled defensively, allowing the Lakers to score 86 points in the second and third quarters combined.

Spencer Dinwiddie’s performance was crucial for the Lakers, who secured their first win this season in six games without D’Angelo Russell, who was absent due to illness unrelated to COVID-19.

Given the offensive nature of the game, it was not surprising that both teams displayed fireworks on the scoring front. The Pacers had previously staged a remarkable comeback against the Lakers, erasing a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter and winning with a buzzer-beating three-pointer in their last meeting in November 2022.

This game marked the first encounter between the two teams since the Lakers triumphed over the Pacers in Las Vegas to win the inaugural In-Season Tournament in December of the previous year. Despite their tournament victory, the Lakers went through a challenging period afterward, enduring a 3-10 slump and struggling to climb higher than ninth place in the Western Conference, even though they have won 22 out of 35 games since that slump.

The absence of D’Angelo Russell and the Pacers’ fast-paced style of play posed initial difficulties for the Lakers, but Anthony Davis’ impressive first-half performance helped keep the game competitive. The Lakers set a season-high by scoring 116 points through the first three quarters, while Pascal Siakam single-handedly kept the Pacers in the game.

Additionally, it is worth noting that many members of Argentina’s national soccer team were in attendance, as they had an exhibition match scheduled at the Coliseum the following Tuesday.