Topic / Subject

Luka Doncic exploded for 51 points as the Lakers beat the Bulls and kept their late season surge going.

TL;DR

Doncic’s first 50 point game as a Laker powered a 142 to 130 win over Chicago, with Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and LeBron James all adding support.

Key Details

• Doncic finished with 51 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.

• Reuters said it was his first 50 point game with the Lakers and the team’s fourth straight win.

• Reaves scored 30, Ayton had 23 and 10 rebounds, and LeBron returned with 18 points.

• Los Angeles moved into third place in the West.

Breakdown

This was pure star stuff. Doncic did not just score big, he controlled the whole game. The Lakers got the huge scoring line, the playmaking, and almost a triple double on top of it. Reuters said Los Angeles shot 55.6 percent and kept its home surge rolling.

The other important piece was help. Reaves gave them 30, Ayton cleaned up inside, and LeBron looked solid in his return. That is the formula the Lakers want, one mega Luka game with enough support around it to keep teams from loading up everywhere else.

What to Watch Next

• Whether Luka can keep this level near the playoffs.

• How the LeBron and Luka balance looks over the next few games.

• If the Lakers can hold their place near the top of the West.

Sources

Reuters — Luka Doncic pours in 51 as Lakers top Bulls to extend win streak
ESPN — Luka Doncic scores 51, LeBron James returns from injuries to lead Lakers past Bulls 142-130

Comment

Is this the version of the Lakers that can actually scare the top teams in the West?