Luka Dončić nearly notched a triple double as the Lakers won their fourth game in a row. Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
March 13, 2026Updated 1:26 am EDT
LOS ANGELES — For the first time as a member of the Lakers, Luka Dončić scored at least 50 points in a game.
Dončić finished with 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists Thursday as the Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 142-130, their fourth consecutive victory and seventh in their last eight games.
Lakers coach JJ Redick left Dončić in the game late into the fourth quarter so Dončić could try to get past the milestone, asking Dončić if he wanted “one more” chance after a couple of plays designed for him came up empty.
Dončić stayed in the game, drew a foul and made a pair of free throws to cement his highest scoring game since being traded to the Lakers last February.
Much of Dončić’s offensive explosion was directed at Chicago wing Matas Buzelis, as early trash-talking between the players seemed to spark Dončić. Officials intervened at one point, but Dončić kept attacking. He made 17-of-31 from the field and 9-of-14 from 3.
In addition to Dončić’s 51, Austin Reaves scored 30, while Deandre Ayton had 23 points and 10 rebounds. LeBron James, returning from a three-game absence due to injury, had 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
The Lakers (41-25) host Denver on Saturday in a critical matchup for West playoff positioning before starting a six-game road trip.
Mar 13, 2026
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