The Los Angeles Lakers secured a commanding victory against the Washington Wizards, winning 134-96 despite being without star player Anthony Davis. LeBron James led the charge, showcasing his leadership and skill by scoring 24 points and dishing out 11 assists in only 27 minutes. The Lakers started strong, with their offense firing on all cylinders, shooting 62% from the field and making 50% of their three-point attempts. Rui Hachimura and Shake Milton also contributed significantly, with Hachimura scoring 22 points and Milton adding 21 off the bench.

The game, played in the wake of tragic events in Washington, saw a subdued crowd, which was unusual for a Lakers game. The Lakers capitalized on this and never let up, demonstrating their determination to bounce back from a previous embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The absence of Davis, who is expected to miss at least a week with a core muscle injury, raised concerns. However, the Lakers proved they could still compete at a high level, with Jackson Hayes stepping in as a starter at center.