Lakers Win Streak Fueled by Doncic
The Lakers are on a four-game winning streak after defeating the Chicago Bulls 142-130, with Luka Doncic scoring 51 points [https://latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2026-03-12/luka-doncic-lakers-bulls-lebron-james-return, https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/los-angeles-lakers-vs-chicago-050914851.html]. Doncic was also one assist shy of a triple-double [https://latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2026-03-12/luka-doncic-lakers-bulls-lebron-james-return]. LeBron James missed his fourth consecutive game due to a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis [https://newsweek.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers-chicago-bulls-injury-report-loaded-11669863].
Doncic's 51-point performance marks his third 50-point game of the season. He previously scored 53 against the Clippers and 58 against the Hawks. The Lakers are now 2-2 in games without LeBron James this month. Chicago's Demar Derozan scored 30 points, while Zach LaVine added 28. The Bulls allowed the Lakers to shoot 62% from the field. Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised Doncic's improved defense during the winning streak. Ham also highlighted the contributions of Austin Reaves, who had 18 points and 7 assists. The Lakers' next game is March 15 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are currently 6th in the Western Conference standings.
