NBA: Luka Doncic fires in 46 points as Lakers blast Bulls

Luka Dončić delivered a dominant performance with 46 points and 11 assists, while LeBron James added 24 points as the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 129-118 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

The Lakers improved to 4–1 in their last five games, ending the Bulls’ four-game winning streak in the process.

Rui Hachimura contributed 23 points, and Marcus Smart added 12 for the Lakers. Dončić also pulled down seven rebounds and made eight 3-pointers, helping Los Angeles take control early and maintain their lead throughout the game.

Bulls Fight Back in Third Quarter

Chicago surged in the third quarter, scoring 24 of the first 36 points and reducing a 13-point halftime deficit to just one. Nikola Vučević sank two free throws at the 6:42 mark to bring the Bulls within 81–80.

However, the Lakers quickly responded. Smart completed a three-point play that triggered an 8–0 run, allowing Los Angeles to regain momentum. Dončić scored 20 points in the third quarter alone, shooting 6-of-9 from the field.

Despite Chicago starting the game strong from long range (16-for-31), the Bulls cooled down significantly, missing 16 of their last 18 three-point attempts.

Key Players for the Bulls

Coby White led Chicago with 23 points, while Ayo Dosunmu added 20. Vučević recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Giddey contributed 19 points and seven assists, Jalen Smith had 13 points, and Matas Buzelis added 11.

James Dominates First Half

James delivered his most productive first half of the season, scoring 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting. His strong play helped the Lakers build a 69–56 lead at halftime.

The veteran forward showcased his athleticism with multiple powerful dunks, including a breakaway slam that tied the game at 10 in the first quarter.

Dončić also shined early, scoring 17 first-half points on 6-for-10 shooting as the Lakers led by as many as 20 points before the break.

Chicago closed the half on a 7–0 run, led by Dosunmu, who capped the run with a three-pointer and a driving layup. Giddey and White each scored 11 points in the first half.

Injury Update

Lakers forward Drew Timme suffered an injury to his right eye after being hit by Dosunmu in the face early in the second quarter. The play was reviewed for a possible flagrant foul, but it was ruled a common foul. Timme was cleared to return but remained on the bench for the rest of the game. -Field Level Media/Reuters