Luka Dončić Wears Warm-Up Shirt Signed by Hospitalized Children, Then Scores 51 in Lakers Win
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ day off turned into an unforgettable evening on March 13, 2026, when guard Luka Dončić arrived for shootaround in a purple warm-up shirt covered with signatures and drawings from young patients at UCLA Health Hospital. Hours later, Dončić delivered a season-high 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, leading the Lakers to a 142-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena.
Dončić had visited the hospital the previous afternoon, inviting several children to autograph and decorate his shirt. Speaking after the game, he said the interactions provided crucial perspective. “You go there and realize you don’t really have problems in your life at all,” Dončić told reporters. “Health is the most important thing.”
The 27-year-old nearly secured a triple-double and added three steals while shooting 18-for-30 from the field. His 51 points topped his previous season best and marked one of the highest single-game totals of his Lakers tenure.
Dončić acknowledged that a separate spark also fueled his performance: some in-game trash talk from Bulls rookie guard Matas Buzelis. “It woke me up,” he said.
The Lakers improved to 46-23 with the win, while the Bulls fell to 31-37. Los Angeles returns to action Friday against the Phoenix Suns.
Source: Lakers Nation
