Luka Doncic Scores 51 as Lakers Dominate Bulls in LeBron James’ Return

Posted : 13 March 2026

Luka Doncic exploded for 51 points, his highest scoring game with the Lakers, to lead Los Angeles to a 142-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, coinciding with LeBron James’ return after missing three games.

Doncic was given a standing ovation as he checked out late in the fourth quarter, with James urging the crowd to cheer even louder for the historic performance.

The star guard flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and nine assists, highlighting his dominance on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James contributed 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with seven rebounds and seven assists, as all five Lakers starters scored in double digits.

Austin Reaves added 30 points, Deandre Ayton scored 23, and Rui Hachimura chipped in 15, while the starting lineup combined for 137 points, the most for a regulation game by a Lakers unit since the 1970-71 season.

Coach JJ Redick emphasized that the team’s performance reflected a deliberate, team-first approach, with James adjusting his role to allow Doncic and Reaves to shine.

James acknowledged the sacrifice of moderating his own game to maximize the team’s success. “If it benefits others, it benefits the team. The team is most important,” he said. “Everybody’s successful when we win. … The win is the only thing that matters.” The Lakers have now won seven of their last eight games, climbing to third in the Western Conference with just 16 games remaining in the regular season.

Reaves’ scoring streak of more than 25 points for three straight games marked his longest run since late November, and he surpassed 5,000 career points, becoming the 46th undrafted player in NBA history to reach that milestone.

Doncic credited his intensity in part to a verbal exchange with Chicago’s Matas Buzelis, which spurred him to elevate his game. Both Doncic and Reaves have been instrumental in the Lakers’ offensive surge, with James praising their “magical and dynamic” contributions.

With the postseason approaching, the Lakers are peaking at the right time. Their collective effort against Chicago demonstrated that Los Angeles is hitting its stride at a crucial stage of the season, blending star power with a balanced team approach.

Luka Doncic Scores 51 as Lakers Dominate Bulls in LeBron James’ Return

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