Doncic matches Bryant as Lakers beat Heat

Luka Doncic became the first player since Kobe Bryant to score 60 points in a game for the LA Lakers as they overcame the Miami Heat 134-126.

Doncic – the NBA’s leading scorer this season – has reached 30 points in eight consecutive games and got to 50 twice in his last five appearances but in hitting 60 achieved a mark that no Lakers player had managed since Bryant in 2019.

And on a night of notable marks for the Lakers, LeBron James scored a triple double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists to move.

The game was his 1,611th regular-season outing, moving him level with Robert Parish for the most in NBA history. The all-time leading scorer in NBA history will set a new record if he features for the Lakers against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Phoenix Suns 101-100 thanks to a Victor Wembanyama effort with 1.1 seconds remaining.

Wembanyama had 34 points and 12 rebounds, and his winning point secured Spurs a play-off spot for the first time in six seasons in the Western Conference.

The in-form Charlotte Hornets also continued their winning run, beating the Orlando Magic 130-111.

But the game was arguably more notable for a half-time ceremony which saw former Hornets star Dell Curry’s number 30 jersey retired.

His shirt was lifted to the rafters at the Spectrum Center as his family – including NBA all-star sons Stephen and Seth, watched on.