Luka Doncic poured in 46 points on another record-breaking night for the Slovenian as the Los Angeles Lakers eased past the Chicago Bulls – but he wasn’t sure it was enough to spare him from another ticking off from coach JJ Redick.
Doncic also contributed seven rebounds and 11 assists as the Bulls’ four-game winning streak came to an end with a 129-118 defeat at the United Center.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks 12 months ago, became the quickest player in franchise history to reach 2,000 points, achieving it in 65 games. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Walt Bellamy can match those figures in NBA history with any team.
Doncic also became the only man in Lakers history alongside the late Kobe Bryant to record 45+ points, 10+ assists and 5+ three-pointers in a single game.
“We talked about a lot of things, how we want to approach the game better,” said Doncic.” That’s what we are doing right now. We are staying together. I think everybody’s having fun out there.”
Doncic silences Lakers coach Redick with latest display
Doncic’s shot-heavy approach was questioned by Redick following the 112-104 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday – the coach insisting his star man has to “trust the pass” – and the guard couldn’t help a light-hearted response following his latest brilliant effort.
“I think I was just being aggressive, seeing what the defense gives you,” he added. “I said, probably JJ is going to be mad that I took 25 shots, so he’ll tell me to pass more. I’m kidding!”
Redick was willing to yield to Doncic on this occasion, saying: “He’s an engine that’s fully on and he likes to create out there and that’s part of what makes him a great player.
”Because I played with him, I have a pretty good understanding of that – not to say it doesn’t test your patience at times.
“You have to be willing to live with some of the stuff he tries because more often than not you will get a great result.”
LeBron James added 24 points, five rebounds and three assists for the Lakers with Rui Hachimura hitting 23 points off the bench.
