Hawks hand Lakers second double-digit defeat in two nights

Trae Young scored 26 points, knocking down his first six attempts from 3-point range, and the Atlanta Hawks handed LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers their second double-digit loss in as many nights, 138-122 on Tuesday.

The Hawks seized control by ripping off three straight baskets to start the second half, pushing their lead to 17 points and forcing the Lakers to call a quick timeout.

It didn’t help. Atlanta stretched the margin to 20 points and the Lakers never got any closer than 10 the rest of the way in a matchup of teams that reportedly have been in talks ahead of next week’s trade deadline.

The Lakers, playing without Anthony Davis after a 135-119 loss at Houston on Monday, slipped back below .500 at 24-25. Austin Reaves scored 28 points and James added 20 in a lackluster performance before a standing-room-only crowd.

Dejounte Murray, who had 24 points for the Hawks, knocked down mid-range jumpers on three straight possessions midway through the fourth quarter to turn back any thoughts of a Lakers comeback.

The Hawks guard has been mentioned as someone who might be moved with his team sitting at seven games under .500 despite its second straight victory.

Jalen Johnson chipped in with 19 points for the Hawks, while Bogdan Bogdanovic and Saddiq Bey had 18 apiece. Seven players scored in double figures for Atlanta, which made 16 of 38 from beyond the arc and finished 52% from the field.

Davis missed his third game of the season, sitting out with what the Lakers listed as left hip and Achilles tendon issues. Jaxson Hayes started in his place and had six points and six rebounds.

That was a far cry from the production of Davis, who is averaging 24.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game.

There also were questions about whether the 39-year-old James would play on consecutive nights. But he went through his pregame routine and was in the starting lineup.

Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter played for first time since Dec. 20, coming off the bench to score six points in 16 minutes. He missed 19 games with right knee inflammation.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Continue a six-game trip Thursday night at Boston.

Hawks: Host Phoenix on Friday night.

Reporting by The Associated Press.