Luka Doncic described his 51-point performance in the Lakers’ 142-130 win over the Chicago Bulls as “very special,” noting, “In the second quarter I kind of felt it, you know, somebody started talking to me so woke me up.”
When asked who prompted the moment, Doncic revealed, “Matas Buzelis. I was surprised. I didn’t say nothing. That’s why I was surprised.”
Doncic highlighted the importance of his rebounding: “I had 10 rebounds, all defensive. I think it just helped to get us out in transition. We’re very good when we get out, those throw-aheads. It helps us a lot.”
Reflecting on the timing, he added, “It’s definitely in the right moment, you know, but obviously we got to continue to do that. If we relax now, it’s not going to be worth it for nothing.”
His chemistry with Deandre Ayton stood out in the game. Doncic said, “Very good. In the third quarter they went to blitz a little bit, so he was playing volleyball down there and then they went switch kind of fit him a couple times. He’s been doing an amazing job.”
Doncic also discussed the personal inspiration behind his energy, recalling a visit with children: “Big time. You go there and you realize that you don’t really have problems in your life at all. Health is the most important thing in life. Having interaction with them yesterday was super amazing, super chill, and I really appreciate it.”
On his own mental approach, he reflected, “I guess [I was like that all the time] maybe a little bit. That’s what made me a little bit good at basketball.”
Doncic’s 50-point game marked his first 50-point performance as a Laker and the 13th 40-point game in 82 appearances with Los Angeles. He also contributed nine assists and 10 rebounds, leading a balanced attack with Austin Reaves scoring 30 points and Ayton posting his 20th double-double of the season.
The Lakers extended their winning streak to four games and moved into third place in the Western Conference, while Chicago fell to 27-39. Los Angeles will host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, with the Bulls traveling to face the LA Clippers on Friday.
