Luka Dončić dominates Bulls with 46 points in Lakers victory

Luka Dončić delivered an exceptional offensive performance Monday night at the United Center, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing 129-118 victory against the Chicago Bulls. The Slovenian guard compiled 46 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds, confirming his superstar status and his current sparkling form.

This performance places Dončić alongside Kobe Bryant as the only players in Lakers history to achieve at least 45 points, 10 assists and 5 three-pointers in a single game. The 26-year-old shot 15/25 from the field and a remarkable 8/14 from three-point range, demonstrating formidable efficiency in all areas of the game.

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A LeBron-Dončić duo that sparks

The game began with the impetus of LeBron James, particularly aggressive in the first half with 20 of his 24 points scored before the break. The King set the tone by scoring 6 of the Lakers’ first 12 points, allowing his team to quickly take control of the game.

After a balanced start where Chicago led by 4 points at the first timeout, the Lakers shifted into high gear. A 9-0 run to end the first quarter turned into an impressive 25-6 surge, completely smothering the Bulls thanks to suffocating defense orchestrated by Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura.

Luka Doncic couldn’t believe Jaxon Hayes throwing down the between the legs dunk in transition.

Threw up a prayer 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bSyqewXdWa

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 27, 2026

Hachimura, X-factor off the bench

Rui Hachimura provided a valuable contribution with 23 points on 9/11 shooting, including 4 crucial three-pointers. The Japanese player is thriving in his sixth man role since returning from injury and was decisive in key moments, particularly in the third quarter when Chicago came within one point.

« I think I was just aggressive, I was watching what the defense was giving me, » Dončić said after the game. « I said JJ was probably going to be mad that I took 25 shots. He’ll tell me to pass more… I’m kidding. »

Despite a strong reaction from the Bulls in the third quarter, led by Nikola Vučević and a three-point festival, the Lakers responded well. Dončić scored 20 points in the third quarter alone, keeping his team afloat before definitively sealing the victory late in the game.

This fourth victory in five games allows the Lakers (28-17) to remain in contention at fifth place in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Houston Rockets. For Dončić, this is his eighth game with more than 40 points this season, confirming his serious candidacy for the MVP title.