Luka Dončić delivered a masterclass performance as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 129–118 at the United Centre on Monday night, despite freezing conditions outside in the Windy City.
The win, played in Chicago and watched by a packed NBA crowd, saw Dončić dominate the Lakers’ offence when it mattered most, helping the team secure their fourth win in five games and strengthen their push up the Western Conference standings.
The result matters because it highlights the Lakers’ growing form, Dončić’s elite status in the league, and the Bulls’ ongoing struggles with turnovers at home.
What happened in Chicago, and who stood out?
The Lakers started fast and never fully let go of control. LeBron James set the tone early, scoring heavily in the opening minutes and putting immediate pressure on the Bulls’ defence.
He finished the night with 24 points, doing most of his damage in the first half. But once the second half began, the game belonged to Luka Dončić.
Dončić took over in the third quarter, scoring 20 points in that period alone. He ended the night with 46 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, controlling the tempo and repeatedly punishing Chicago from range and in the paint.
This performance underlined why many analysts say Dončić dominates Lakers games not just as a scorer, but as a complete floor general.
How did the Lakers build and protect their lead?
Los Angeles relied on sharp shooting and ball movement. As a team, the Lakers shot:
| Stat | Lakers |
|---|---|
| Field goal percentage | 56.1% |
| Three-point shooting | 48.5% (16/33) |
| Points scored (first 3 quarters) | 34+ per quarter |
Rui Hachimura played a key supporting role, scoring 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers. His accuracy helped relieve pressure when Chicago threatened a comeback.
The Lakers maintained a lead of at least five points for the entire final stretch of the game.
Why did the Bulls fall short at home?
Chicago matched the Lakers’ shooting for spells but failed to look after the ball. The Bulls committed 15 turnovers, which directly led to 23 Lakers points.
Coby White led Chicago with 23 points, six assists and five rebounds, but the team’s mistakes proved costly. Ten of those turnovers came in the second quarter alone, their worst single-quarter turnover count this season.
That lapse allowed the Lakers to take control before half-time and resist Chicago’s later push.
What was the turning point of the game?
The Bulls briefly swung momentum late in the third quarter, cutting a 20-point Lakers lead down to just one.
However, back-to-back three-pointers from Hachimura steadied Los Angeles and pushed the lead back to nine.
From that moment on, the Lakers dictated the game.
Why is this performance important for Luka Dončić?
Dončić’s display was widely described by commentators as one of his best of the season. He controlled scoring, playmaking and decision-making from start to finish.
LUKA DONCIC TONIGHT:
🏀46 PTS
🏀12 AST
🏀7 REB
🏀8 3PMLuka continues to DOMINATE as the Lakers take down the Bulls.
— ScoreHawk (@Sc0reHawk) January 27, 2026
Speaking after the game, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said, “Luka controlled the game in every way. That’s what elite players do when the team needs them.”
What does this win mean for the Lakers?
The Lakers improved to 28–17 and now have the chance to build only their second three-game winning run since December.
The form of Dončić, combined with solid contributions from James and Hachimura, suggests the team is finding rhythm at the right time.
