Luka Doncic scores 51, LeBron James returns from injuries to lead Lakers
past Bulls 142-130
[March 13, 2026]
By DAN GREENSPAN
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 51 points, 10
rebounds and nine assists, LeBron James added 18 points in his return
after missing three games because of injuries and the Los Angeles Lakers
used a strong third quarter to defeat the Chicago Bulls 142-130 on
Thursday night. |
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Chicago Bulls
forward Jalen Smith, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball
game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los
Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) |
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Doncic scored 50 points for the first time as a Laker following
the blockbuster trade that sent him from Dallas to Los Angeles
in February 2025. It was Doncic’s 13th 40-point game in 82
appearances for Los Angeles, moving into ninth in franchise
history.
Austin Reaves chipped in with 30 points, Deandre Ayton had 23
points and 10 rebounds for his 20th double-double of the season,
and the Lakers’ four-game winning streak is their longest since
running off seven in a row Nov. 14-30.
Los Angeles moved ahead of the idle Houston Rockets into third
place in the Western Conference.
Josh Giddey scored 27 points and Matas Buzelis had 22 for the
short-handed Bulls, who have alternated wins and losses over
their past six games following 11 straight losses in February.
James started off sluggish after being sidelined by a right hip
contusion and arthritis in his left foot, picking up his only
points of the first half on a layup and free throw for a
three-point play with 54 seconds remaining. The sequence sparked
James, 41, and he made all five of his shots from the field in
the third quarter to finish with 11 points in the period.
Giddey and Buzelis combined to go 10 for 20 from 3-point range,
finding their shot in the second quarter and keeping the Bulls
in striking distance for most of the game. Chicago ended up 15
for 36 from deep.
Up next
Bulls: Visit the Clippers on Friday.
Lakers: Host the Nuggets on Saturday.
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