LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic delivered 51 points and nearly logged a triple-double Thursday night, steering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 142-130 win over the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena.
The victory, played on March 12, 2026, extended Los Angeles’ winning streak to four games and marked LeBron James’ return after a three-game absence. Despite additional lineup absences, the Lakers improved their season record behind a dominant effort from their All-Star guard.
Fast start, tight first half
Los Angeles opened with a 7-0 burst highlighted by an Austin Reaves three-pointer and interior finishes from Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton. Chicago regrouped after an early timeout and pulled even at 26-26 by the close of the first quarter, capitalizing on a cold stretch by the hosts.
The Bulls grabbed their first lead early in the second period, but Doncic responded with a personal 10-point run that included a three-point play and a long-range shot. The surge helped Los Angeles reclaim control and enter halftime ahead 67-62.
James ignites third-quarter push
James, quiet before the break, opened the third quarter with a breakaway dunk and quickly added scoring support. Triples from Hachimura, Doncic and Reaves fueled a 22-point cushion, while Ayton benefitted from lob feeds inside.
Chicago trimmed the margin to 108-98 before the final quarter, led by rookie forward Matas Buzelis, who traded words and baskets with Doncic throughout the night.
Lakers close it out
The Bulls closed within seven early in the fourth, but Reaves answered with a deep three and a mid-range jumper. Los Angeles rebuilt a double-digit lead and never looked back, with Doncic burying two late threes to seal the result.
Doncic finished with 51 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and one block. Reaves added timely perimeter shooting, while James and Hachimura provided secondary scoring.
Up next
The Lakers conclude their homestand Saturday against the Denver Nuggets before embarking on a six-game road trip.
Source: LakersNation.com
