Doncic nets 42 but is hindered by a leg injury in Lakers' loss

Luka Doncic scored 40 points through three quarters for the Lakers against the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, going 15 for 21 from the field.

- BY BRODERICK TURNER

JUSTINE WILLARD Associated Press LEBRON JAMES wore a patch on his jersey Monday commemorating his unprecedented 23rd season.

He had seven assists and six rebounds and had played more than 30 minutes.

But then he got his left thigh wrapped.

After that, Doncic only made one of four shots, missing both of his three-point attempts in the Lakers' 124-112 loss to the hot-shooting Kings.

Doncic didn't provide much clarity on what he might be dealing with, saying his ailment was "somewhere" in the inner thigh or groin area.

"Yeah, I was really uncertain. Before the game ... I felt something," said Doncic, who was unsure if he would play before the game. "But tomorrow, we'll see how I wake up."

Doncic finished with 42 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. He was two for nine from three-point range. He didn't let the injury be an excuse for his fourth-quarter struggles.

"If I'm out there, I'll try to go," Doncic said. "So that's never an excuse. I'm good." The Lakers were down by 20 points in the third quarter and were forced to play catch-up the rest of the way.