NBA Notes: Lakers, LeBron James, Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Suns

Lakers

After a week of uncomfortable conversations and pointed criticism, the Lakers responded Sunday night with their most complete effort in days, writes ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak by routing Sacramento. James was surgical, going 11-of-13 from the field and finishing with 24 points as L.A. controlled the game from the opening minutes.

Coach JJ Redick had publicly questioned his team’s effort and professionalism twice in the past week. Those issues were absent Sunday.

“I don’t want to create the narrative of just me and Luka,” James said. “It’s five guys on the floor and seven guys that come off the bench. It needs to be all of us. But it’s important that we set the tone.”

Doncic echoed that sentiment, especially with Austin Reaves expected to miss at least the next month with a calf strain. Doncic poured in a team-high 34 points, including 15 in the second quarter as the Lakers built separation.

“I think it definitely starts with us,” Doncic said. “And when AR is back, it’s going to be all three of us. But now, it starts with us. We need to show what we can do. The group is going to follow.”

Clippers

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard delivered one of the most explosive performances of his career in a win over Detroit.

Leonard erupted for a career-high 55 points, tying the franchise record, while playing just six minutes in the fourth quarter, notes Doug Padilla of The Associated Press. With the game well in hand, Leonard opted for caution over numbers.

“Like I told (Tyronn Lue), I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it,” Leonard said. “Hopefully we can get another win and be in the same situation.”

The victory was the Clippers’ fourth straight.

Suns

Suns coach Jordan Ott pointed to the officiating tone as a contributing factor in the on-court altercation that led to suspensions for Mark Williams and Jose Alvarado, per Dana Scott of The Arizona Republic.

The two exchanged punches during Saturday’s matchup between the Suns and Pelicans, the second meeting of a back-to-back set.

“Last night, there were a lot of free throws,” Ott said. “Tonight, there wasn’t as much. They let us play, which is something we enjoy. They got tangled up.”

Both players were suspended for the fight.