Luka Doncic's Massive 46-Point Performance Leads Lakers To Win Over Chicago Bulls
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of an eight-game road trip, with their most recent stop being in Chicago against the Bulls, marking the end of the first leg of the trip. After a rough stretch of games, the Lakers found themselves at 2-1 on their road trip prior to Monday's contest.
For the Bulls, they had a hot start to the season, getting out to a 6-1 record before falling all the way to 9-14. They've since turned it around, entering Monday's contest just a game above .500. While the Bulls had the benefit of playing at home and riding a four-game winning streak, the Lakers leaned on their star.
Luka Doncic Leads The Way In Lakers Win
LeBron James may be playing at a high level for a 41-year-old, scoring 24 points and grabbing five rebounds, but it's clear that it's Luka Doncic's team in LA. The Lakers' superstar guard posted 46 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds en route to a 129-118 victory for the visiting team.
Doncic was also very efficient from the field, shooting 15-of-25 from the field and 8-of-14 from three-point range. Monday was just the latest in a dominant stretch for Doncic, who is now averaging 35.5 points per game over his last six contests.
After the game, head coach JJ Redick praised his star guard's IQ, and he is starting to develop good chemistry with him as it's nearing a year since the Lakers acquired Doncic via trade.
"He has a really good sense of, if they're blitzing me in the pick and roll, to be that facilitator. Him and I are starting to get that good feel for when he needs to get off-ball. When he's on-ball and having to make a lot of plays, that can tax you when you have to guard one through five on the other end," Redick said.
Doncic has notched double-digit assists in three of his last four contests, which is impressive when playing alongside one of the best playmakers in NBA history in LeBron.
"He had his whole game working tonight," he added.
While some fans will criticize Doncic's effort at times or his defensive game not being at the same level as other stars, it's hard to look past how dominant Doncic is on the offensive end. Adding Austin Reaves to the lineup might take away some of his touches, but it should open up more space as well.
The Lakers continue on with their road trip to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. EST.