Doncic’s 51-Point Outburst Powers Lakers Over Bulls 142-130
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The Los Angeles Lakers stretched their winning streak to four games on Thursday night, outscoring the Chicago Bulls 142-130 at Crypto.com Arena and seizing sole possession of the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Luka Doncic dominated throughout a defense-optional contest, pouring in 51 points—his highest total since joining Los Angeles. The All-Star guard nearly posted a triple-double, closing with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block.
The Lakers’ starting unit accounted for 137 of the team’s 142 points, the fourth-largest single-game total by an NBA starting five on record. Los Angeles led most of the night but had to fend off a second-half surge by Chicago that trimmed the margin from the free-throw line before Doncic buried several long three-pointers in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Deandre Ayton, the lone healthy center with Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber sidelined, controlled the paint for 23 points and 10 rebounds. Austin Reaves added 30 points without visiting the foul line.
Chicago, already looking toward the draft after trading away veteran pieces at the deadline, relied on its young core to stay competitive but never found an answer for Doncic’s shot-making or Ayton’s interior presence.
Los Angeles (now winners of four straight) faces a major test Saturday when the Denver Nuggets visit, then departs for Houston to meet the Rockets on Monday.
Source: Lakers Nation
