The Los Angeles Lakers witnessed a rare piece of history unfold during the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, as stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic achieved a milestone not seen in decades — a feat previously held only by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
The Lakers' playoff match against the Minnesota Timberwolves was the perfect setting for LeBron and Luka to etch their names in the annals of the franchise. As reported by ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the pair became the first Lakers' teammates to each score more than 20 points in a half of a playoff game since Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant accomplished the feat back in 2002.
In a fiery game at the start, LeBron went glowingly ahead with 22 points while Luka grazed on with 21 points in a packed arena that energized the Lakers early into the game. The courtside excitement from the nigh-injury of Anthony Edwards almost shook the foundations, heralding the Lakers to unleash an avalanche of near-perfect action on the Timberwolves.
Bypassing Great Company
There is nothing casual about putting this sort of statistical performance in playoff history, particularly where extreme defensive power is considered only for such an occasion; it puts LeBron and Luka's feat in serious regard.
Their scoring spree wasn't merely about the individual boxes being ticked — it dredged up the memories of an era in which the dominant pairings were well capable of sending rivals packing.
When Did Shaq and Kobe Raise the Bar?
To grasp just how significant LeBron and Luka's feat may be, it is helpful to travel back a little in time. O'Neal and Bryant had last collaborated for a half with 20-plus points in the 2001 NBA Playoffs, and Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Sacramento Kings was that game.
On May 13, 2001, at the Staples Center, Shaq had poured in 24 points and Kobe contributed 22 in the first half, leading the Lakers to a hard-fought 96-90 win. That playoff run finished with Shaquille grabbing a Finals MVP award while wreaking havoc on his opponents and engraining that dynasty in every sense for years to come.
Luka and LeBron, What Needs to Be Done Now?
Expectations are naturally soaring for their new superstar duo in the Lakers. To be labelled as such brings with it an almost Herculean standard of expectation. While expecting an immediate title run from this pairing may be a stretch, what is undoubtedly clear is that LeBron and Luka must collect a title during their time together.
Anything short of capturing at least one championship before LeBron James closes the chapter on his legendary career would undoubtedly be seen as a major missed opportunity for the Lakers.
Lakers were defeated by Minnesota Timberwolves 116-113.