5 Reasons Why The Lakers Defeated The Hawks To Improve To 10-2 On The Season

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive start to the 2026-27 NBA season, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 124-114 to improve their record to 10-2. Luka Doncic delivered another spectacular performance with 32 points and 10 assists, while Walker Kessler dominated the interior and Sandro Mamukelashvili provided a massive spark off the bench. Although Atlanta had several impressive individual performances, including 21 points from CJ McCollum and 20 from Nickeil Alexander-Walker , the Hawks struggled to contain Los Angeles’ offensive efficiency and defensive pressure. The Lakers ultimately established control through superior shooting, aggressive defense, and timely contributions from their supporting cast. Here are five reasons why Los Angeles secured another impressive victory.   1. Luka Doncic Continues His MVP-Caliber Season Luka Doncic is headlining the MVP conversation; make no mistake about that. The Lakers superstar finished with 32 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, five steals, and two blocks in 39 minutes. He shot 11-22 from the field and converted all seven of his free throws while committing only six turnovers. Doncic was particularly impressive as a playmaker, generating 10 assists and helping Los Angeles finish with 30 assists overall. His ability to simultaneously score at an elite level and create opportunities for teammates makes the Lakers’ offense incredibly difficult to defend. Even when Atlanta attempted to generate momentum, Doncic consistently provided the Lakers with offensive stability. His five steals also highlighted his defensive activity, making this an exceptionally well-rounded performance from Los Angeles’ franchise centerpiece.   2. Walker Kessler Dominated The Interior Walker Kessler was another major reason the Lakers controlled the game. The center recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block while shooting an outstanding 8-12 from the field. He also grabbed three offensive rebounds, providing additional opportunities for Los Angeles. Kessler’s combination of efficient scoring and rebounding helped the Lakers establish a significant advantage inside. Los Angeles finished with 52 points in the paint compared to Atlanta’s 42, demonstrating how effectively the Lakers attacked the interior. Kessler’s performance also reinforces the importance of having a reliable center alongside Doncic. When opposing defenses focus on stopping the perimeter superstar, Kessler’s ability to finish around the basket becomes another major offensive weapon.   3. Sandro Mamukelashvili Delivered A Massive Bench Performance Sandro Mamukelashvili arguably delivered the most important supporting performance of the night. The Lakers forward scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out three assists in 32 minutes. He shot 7-13 from the field and knocked down five of eight three-point attempts. His shooting was particularly valuable because Los Angeles received limited perimeter production from some of its starters. Mamukelashvili finished with a game-high plus-20 rating, reflecting his significant impact while on the floor. When Doncic and Kessler were generating attention inside, Mamukelashvili provided the Lakers with another scoring option capable of punishing defensive mistakes. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on the glass makes him an increasingly valuable piece of the rotation.   4. Lakers Were Active On Defense Yet Again The Lakers’ defensive performance was arguably the biggest difference between the two teams. Los Angeles recorded 16 steals and forced Atlanta into 20 turnovers, converting those mistakes into 29 points. The Hawks, meanwhile, scored only 14 points off the Lakers’ 16 turnovers. That 15-point advantage in points off turnovers was especially significant. Matisse Thybulle contributed three steals and one block in just 23 minutes, while Doncic recorded five steals. Los Angeles also finished with six blocks, matching Atlanta’s total. The Lakers’ defensive activity created additional possessions while preventing the Hawks from consistently establishing offensive rhythm. Atlanta actually finished with more assists than Los Angeles, but its inability to protect the basketball ultimately proved costly.   5. Los Angeles Won The Shooting And Paint Battle The Lakers’ offensive efficiency was another decisive factor. Los Angeles shot 53% from the field, compared to Atlanta’s 45%. The Lakers also knocked down 42.9% of their three-point attempts, significantly outperforming the Hawks’ 38.6%. Although Atlanta actually made two more three-pointers, Los Angeles compensated through superior overall shooting efficiency and interior scoring. The Lakers converted 45 of 85 field-goal attempts, while Atlanta made just 40 of 88. Los Angeles also scored 52 points in the paint, generated 30 assists, and converted 82.6% of its free throws. Combined with its defensive pressure, that offensive efficiency allowed the Lakers to maintain control for 79% of the game and establish a maximum lead of 20 points.