The Los Angeles Lakers continue to play their best basketball of the season, and on the second night of a back-to-back against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, they secured a crucial 106-102 win.

This victory marked their 15th in the last 18 games and extended their winning streak to five, improving their record to 37-21. They are within a game of the No. 3 and No. 2 seeds in the Western Conference.

Friday was also a special day as it marked Luka Doncic’s 26th birthday.

It was his first back-to-back appearance as a Laker since returning from the calf strain he suffered on Christmas Day. The Slovenian star led all scorers with 31 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

With his 30-plus point performance, he now ranks second behind LeBron James for the most 30-point games on a player’s birthday (3).

He is also now one of only five players in NBA history to average 30-plus points on their birthday.

He’s currently averaging 30.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, while shooting 47.1% from the field in games played on his birthday.

Luka Doncic averages on his birthday: 30.8 PPG 6.5 RPG 9.3 APG 47.1% FG One of five players in NBA history to average 30+ PPG on their birthday pic.twitter.com/fgtSXYnmfm — Real Sports (@realapp_) March 1, 2025

The Lakers are 8-2 since acquiring Doncic in early February, with a 5-2 record in games he’s played.

While there have been a few bumps along the way, the Lakers are finding success through an area many feared would be a major flaw after trading Anthony Davis: their defense.

Los Angeles hasn’t allowed more than 102 points in any of their last six games, and they’ll host the Clippers again on Sunday, looking to maintain their momentum as the race for the NBA postseason intensifies.