Luka Doncic scores 51 points as Lakers shine in LeBron’s comeback.
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic recorded 51 points on Thursday, marking his highest-scoring performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Chicago Bulls, 142-130, during LeBron James’ return following a three-game absence.
“It feels special,” Doncic remarked, as he exited late in the fourth quarter to a standing ovation, with James encouraging the audience to cheer even louder. “Having a 50-point game here feels very special.”
James contributed 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting, along with seven rebounds and seven assists, while all five Lakers starters achieved double-digit scoring. L.A.’s starting unit amassed 137 points, the highest total by a starting lineup in a regulation game since the 1970-71 season, according to ESPN research. Austin Reaves (30 points), Deandre Ayton (23 points), and Rui Hachimura (15 points) also made significant contributions.
Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that the team adopted a deliberate team-first mentality, highlighting James’ willingness to sacrifice, especially as L.A. secured a three-game winning streak during the 41-year-old’s absence due to foot, elbow, and hip injuries.
“LeBron and I had a great conversation over the last couple of days,” Redick noted. “He is committed to doing everything he can to help his team win, and he recognizes the importance of ensuring Luka and AR can perform at their best. That speaks volumes about him.”
“It reflects how much he values this team and his teammates, and how much he desires to win.”
Did James view it as a sacrifice to play in that manner?
“If it benefits others, it benefits the team. The team is the priority,” he stated. “Everyone succeeds when we win. So yes, it is a sacrifice. I am aware of what I can still achieve individually, but what matters for this team is that I can adapt … And that is the only thing that counts. The win is what truly matters.”
L.A. now holds an 8-3 record this season when James is not among the team’s top two players in field goal attempts, according to ESPN Research.
This victory marked the Lakers’ seventh win in their last eight games, propelling them to No. 3 in the Western Conference standings with 16 games left in the regular season.
While James performed well against Chicago, the team’s recent success has been largely attributed to Doncic and Reaves elevating their play.
“AR and Luka,” James commented, “offensively, have been magical and dynamic.”
Doncic credited his performance against the Bulls to Chicago’s 21-year-old forward Matas Buzelis.
“Someone started talking to me, which woke me up,” Doncic explained regarding Buzelis. “I won’t disclose what was said, but if I did, I would definitely receive a technical foul.”
Reaves, on the other hand, surpassed 25 points for the third consecutive game, marking his longest streak since late November, prior to a left calf strain that sidelined him for over a month from late December through early February. Reaves also crossed the 5,000 career points milestone on Thursday, becoming the 46th undrafted player in league history to achieve this feat.
“I obviously have a lot of confidence in myself when it comes to basketball,” Reaves stated. “However, when the game concludes and I reflect on it, I don’t really see myself in the same category as some of these other players. I just enjoy playing basketball, doing it the right way, and striving to improve.”
It seems that the Lakers are collectively enhancing their performance at an opportune moment.
“Every game is significant, and the way you approach the game is crucial,” James remarked. “It’s mid-March. The postseason is a month away, so it has to be [now].”
Doncic added: “It’s certainly the right time [to improve]. But we must continue this. If we ease off now, it won’t mean [anything]. So we need to keep up that same effort.”
