James and Doncic help Lakers rout Nets 125-109 in Austin Reaves’ return from injury

NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James scored 25 points, Luka Doncic had 24 and the Los Angeles Lakers earned a 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday night in Austin Reaves’ first game since Christmas.

Reaves had 15 points in 21 minutes after missing the last 19 games with a left calf strain. He entered late in the first quarter when the Lakers were already well in control and helped them continue to do so during their 20-of-25 shooting start.

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Jake LaRavia scored 18 points for the Lakers, who finished 5-3 on their road trip and will next play Philadelphia at home on Thursday night, hours after the NBA trade deadline.

James said it was difficult to gauge the team’s potential without Reaves, who averaged 26.6 points before being injured. They looked powerful on Tuesday, although it’s hard to judge much against the hapless Nets, who are only good at losing badly.

Brooklyn was coming off a 53-point loss to Detroit on Sunday and it looked like the Lakers might win even more. They made 15 of 18 shots (83.3%) in the first quarter to open a 45-23 lead, then James scored while being fouled on their first shot of the second.

Reaves then missed consecutive 3-pointers, but came up with a steal and threw the ball off the backboard for James to slam. When James then made a steal of his own, it was 57-28 and the Lakers were 20-for-25.

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The lead grew to 38 before Los Angeles took a 69-40 lead into the break.

Michael Porter Jr. had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who lost for the ninth time in 10 games. Day’Ron Sharpe finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

To be continued

Lakers: Host Philadelphia on Thursday.

Nets: Visit Orlando on Thursday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA