Saturday night in Memphis wasn’t just another win for the Los Angeles Lakers, it was a night etched into NBA lore.
Not only did LeBron James and Luka Doncic recreate one of the most iconic images in basketball history with a fast-break slam reminiscent of the famous Dwyane Wade–LeBron moment from Miami, but the Lakers’ Big 3 — LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves made NBA history in their dominant 134-127 victory over the Grizzlies.
Austin Reaves Applauds LeBron James For Yelling At Lakers During TimeoutAustin Reaves Applauds LeBron James For Yelling At Lakers During Timeout
As Luka Doncic flicked a no-look pass to a trailing LeBron James on the fast break, what followed wasn’t just a thunderous slam, it was history repeating itself.
The moment evoked memories of LeBron’s legendary dunk off a Dwyane Wade assist during their time in Miami, and just like that, the NBA had a new version of that iconic image.
This time, it was Luka and LeBron putting on a show.
That image was more than a photogenic moment. It symbolized the evolution of the Lakers’ new Big 3 — LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves — into something truly formidable. In a high-stakes Western Conference showdown, all three stars delivered massive performances.
The stat sheet from the win reads like something out of a video game. Reaves, Luka, and LeBron each recorded at least 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two three-pointers made, one steal, and three turnovers — something no trio in NBA history had ever done in a single game. Their final lines were remarkable:
Austin Reaves: 31 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals, two threes, three turnovers on an 76% TS
Luka Doncic: 29 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, one steal, two threes, three turnovers on 62% TS
LeBron James: 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists, three steals, two threes, three turnovers on 55% TS
In total, the trio combined for 85 points, 21 rebounds, 25 assists, nine three-pointers, six steals, 2two blocks, and nine turnovers on an incredible 64% true shooting. The synergy was off the charts. They also scored or assisted on 120 of the team’s 134 total points, accounting for nearly 90% of the Lakers’ offensive output.
That kind of production, especially this late in the season, is what championship runs are built on. It wasn’t just flashy stats — the Lakers were in control early, dropping 72 points in the first half. They responded to every Grizzlies run, weathered Ja Morant’s return, and ultimately closed it out on the back of their star trio.
With the win, the Lakers improved to 45-29, reclaiming the fourth seed in the West and keeping themselves in striking distance of the top three. With just eight games remaining, they now turn their focus to the Houston Rockets, a key matchup in their quest for postseason momentum.
The chemistry between Luka and LeBron is starting to click and fast. Their synergy is turning into highlight-reel gold, and Saturday’s moment was their brightest yet. That no-look dime and thunderous slam weren’t just crowd-pleasers they were proof this duo is learning to play off one another seamlessly.
For LeBron, now in his 22nd season, to still be producing at an All-NBA level and creating magic with a superstar like Luka speaks to his unparalleled longevity and adaptability.
And then there’s Austin Reaves. The undrafted guard who’s blossomed into the perfect glue guy and scorer, Reaves showed once again he’s more than just a role player. His ability to take over games has become a luxury for JJ Redick’s squad, one that gives the Lakers yet another dimension heading into the playoffs.
With this win, the Lakers have now firmly reinserted themselves into the title conversation. And while the recreated photo might dominate social media, the bigger takeaway is that this team led by its star trio is peaking at the perfect time.
LeBron’s iconic moment with Wade helped launch a dynasty. In LA, the hope is that this one with Luka signals the start of another.
