LeBron James’ triple-double leads the Lakers to victory over the Wizards in the absence of Luka Doncic

LeBron James’ triple-double leads the Lakers to victory over the Wizards in the absence of Luka Doncic

Without Luka Doncic, the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers scarcely slowed down. LeBron James made certain of it.

With Doncic out on Monday to serve a one-game suspension for his 16th technical foul of the season against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27.

James had 12 assists and 10 rebounds to go with his 20 points, and LA’s offense worked, with six players scoring in double figures. Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes all scored 19 points, with Reaves adding nine assists, while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton scored 14 and 12, respectively, as the Lakers won their third straight game and 15th in their past 17 games.

It was also James’ 1,228th career win, including playoffs, tying another Kareem Abdul-Jabbar record for most all-time.

“He’s very praiseworthy,” head coach JJ Redick told reporters after the game. “I’m not sure what more to say about him. At this stage. I’ve tried giving different versions of the same soliloquy about his lifespan.”

Monday was about clinching a playoff position or the Pacific Division, which they had the opportunity to do. Los Angeles secured their victory over Washington, but they also required a loss by the Phoenix Suns, who pulled away from the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter to win, 131-105.

On Tuesday, March 31, the Lakers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers, giving them a chance to win 50 games in a row for the first time since the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.