Lakers’ Luka Doncic Hits 51 In Easy Win Over Bulls

The Los Angeles Lakers are rolling. And on Thursday night, Luka Doncic made sure everyone noticed.

Doncic poured in 51 points — his highest-scoring game since joining the Lakers — as L.A. cruised past the Chicago Bulls, 142-130.

“It feels special,” Doncic said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Obviously, to have a 50-point game in here, it feels very special.”

It wasn’t just Luka. The Lakers got scoring from everywhere.

Austin Reaves added 30 points, Deandre Ayton scored 23, and Rui Hachimura chipped in 15 as all five starters finished in double figures.

Meanwhile, LeBron James returned from a three-game absence and played the role of conductor — 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while letting Doncic and Reaves handle much of the scoring load.

Coach JJ Redick said that approach was intentional.

“LeBron wants to do everything possible to help his team win,” Redick said. “He understands the importance of making sure Luka and AR can be at their best.”

James agreed.

“If it benefits others, it benefits the team,” he said.

The result? The Lakers have now won seven of their last eight and sit third in the Western Conference with the playoffs approaching.

And if Doncic keeps scoring like this, well, the rest of the West might want to pay attention.