Lakers take down Hawks behind season-high shooting night, snapping three-game skid

The Lakers are back in the win column behind a season-high shooting barrage from 3-point range.

The tides were turned on the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers, snapping a three-game skid behind a season-best 56% shooting from 3, beating the Atlanta Hawks 141-116 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.

The Lakers entered the game tied for the worst 3-point shooting percentage in the NBA and came off a loss in Sacramento, where they made just eight 3-pointers. It was a complete turnaround for the Lakers, making another season-best mark of 19 3-pointers.

“One of the best responses we had this year. Under the circumstances, the way we've been playing lately. So, to come out with that type of energy and effort on both sides of the floor was good. [It] was good. Really good,” LeBron James said.

Luka Dončić poured in five of those 3s, while James had four of them, with the duo lifting the Lakers with 58 points combined after almost not suiting up, with their decision to play being just ahead of tip-off.

It was the first time this season James played both back-to-back games, continuing his impressive 23rd season with 31 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists in 32 minutes. 

"He's going to do everything he possibly can do to play. In his 23rd year, it's remarkable. His competitive standard is off the charts," head coach JJ Redick said on James. "We didn’t expect him to be able to play. I mean, that's just the nature of a 41-year-old body who plays heavy minutes."

Redick continued to praise James, saying he doesn't take him for granted despite the criticism he receives and how people talk about him daily. 

"Come be around him every day. See how much this guy cares. It's off the charts,” he added.

Dončić finished second on the team with 27 points and 12 assists while shooting seven for 16 overall.

“Yeah, definitely. Today was very fun. We shared the ball great, we knocked down shots, so it was very fun out there.”

L.A. immediately started the game, knocking down seven of their first 14 shots from 3 as Gabe Vincent hit three 3s in the first to lead the team early on with 10 points.

Then the Lakers went on to outscore the Hawks 44-30 in the second quarter, hitting 12 triples at halftime, which pushed L.A. to their largest lead of the game at 32 points.

The Lakers came out strong in the second half, but then the Hawks went on a 10-2 run in the third quarter, powered by CJ McCollum, who finished the night with 25 points. The Hawks slowly crept back after outscoring the Lakers 26-21 in the third and then getting the score to 11 points at the top of the fourth.

Then the Lakers closed out the final seven minutes behind their two stars and Deandre Ayton swallowing every rebound the Hawks missed, finishing with a season-high 18 rebounds with 17 points.

Rui Hachimura made his return after a nine-game absence, playing 18 minutes like Redick said he would before the game. He was active on the defensive end and provided the Lakers with a solid threat on offense, scoring seven points on three-of-seven shots.

The Lakers improved their record to 24-14 (remaining fifth in the West) and 10-7 at home, staying in L.A. for their next matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.