Luka Dončić Scores 42 With 13 Assists as Lakers Beat Giannis and the Heat 138-117

Luka Dončić had 42 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat 138-117 on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena, one night after he scored 45 against Toronto.

It was Dončić’s fifth straight game with at least 37 points and his fourth 40-point game in his last five, according to the Associated Press. He is averaging 43.4 points over that stretch. The Lakers improved to 6-2.

Heat vs. Lakers: another fast start from Luka

Dončić opened with 16 points, five assists and four rebounds in the first quarter. Per the AP, the defending NBA scoring champion is averaging 15.0 points in first quarters this season and has scored at least 13 in the opening period in all but one of his seven games.

The Lakers led 37-30 after one and 79-72 at halftime, with Dončić at 24 points. He scored nine more in the first 4 1/2 minutes after the break, stretching the lead to 93-74. Miami never seriously threatened again. Austin Reaves carried the offense while Dončić rested to start the fourth.

Luka Dončić stats vs. the Heat

• 42 points on 14-of-24 shooting
• 6 of 15 from 3-point range
• 8 of 10 from the free-throw line
• 13 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals in 35 minutes

That came on the second night of a back-to-back. The Lakers played Friday and then had to hold off the Raptors on Sunday, while Miami had not played since Friday.

Miami Heat vs. Lakers match player stats

Lakers - Luka Dončić: 42 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds - Austin Reaves: 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting - Walker Kessler: 15 points, 15 rebounds

Heat - Giannis Antetokounmpo: 30 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists - Klay Thompson: 19 points - Bam Adebayo: 16 points, 9 rebounds

The Lakers shot 57.3% from the field and had 39 assists, according to the box score.

Giannis’ Miami start

Antetokounmpo’s line was strong, but the loss opened a five-game West Coast trip and dropped Miami to 2-5. The AP noted it was the Heat’s fifth loss in seven games to begin the Greek star’s first season with the team.

Around the game

Heat president Pat Riley drew a big ovation from Lakers fans when he was shown on the scoreboard. The Lakers unveiled a statue of their Showtime-era coach outside the arena last season. Forward Ziaire Williams returned from a three-game absence with a foot injury, but Jake LaRavia kept the starting spot.

Lakers standings and what’s next

What is the Lakers’ record? 6-2 after Monday’s win.

When do the Lakers play next? Los Angeles visits the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

When do the Heat play next? Miami stays in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Wednesday night.

Where can I watch Miami Heat vs. Lakers? Coverage varies by market; check the NBA app or local listings.