Luka Doncic Erupts for 51 Points After Matas Buzelis Trash Talk
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Luka Doncic turned a few choice words from Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis into a scoring showcase, pouring in 51 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a fourth straight win on March 12, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena.
The All-Star guard finished 17-for-31 from the field, 9-for-14 from three-point range and 8-for-9 at the foul line, marking his highest point total since joining the Lakers. His outburst began midway through the second quarter, moments after Buzelis engaged him in on-court banter.
“In the second quarter I felt that somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up,” Doncic said postgame. “I was surprised, I was shocked. I’m not gonna say what he said, but if I did I’d definitely get a technical foul.”
Doncic, smiling frequently after baskets and even addressing the Bulls’ bench, scored from all areas, forcing Chicago to abandon single coverage. Buzelis produced a solid offensive night of his own, but his totals paled next to the 51-point explosion that pushed Los Angeles past Chicago.
The victory extended the Lakers’ winning streak to four. Los Angeles faces the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, and head coach Darvin Ham indicated the team will again lean heavily on Doncic’s offense.
Asked whether he believes he could one day surpass Bam Adebayo’s recent NBA-record 83-point game, Doncic offered only, “Maybe,” noting his career high remains 73 from his Dallas Mavericks tenure.
Source: LakersNation.com
