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The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Chicago Bulls Thursday night, looking for their fourth straight victory.
LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing the last three games with a right hip contusion.
In his return, he tallied 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block.
That said, it was Luka Doncic who stole the show once again. Doncic posted his first 50-point game as a member of the Lakers, scoring 51 points to go along with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and one block.
This marks an incredible stretch for Doncic who's averaging 40.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game over his last four contests.
Following the game, Doncic spoke about the extra motivation behind his performance. "Somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up," said Doncic.
Doncic went on to clarify that the "someone" in question was sophomore Matas Buzelis who finished the night with 22 points of his own.
With the win, Los Angeles moved to 22-12 at home on the season and passed the Houston Rockets for third place in the Western Conference.
However, the playoff race is quite tight, as the seventh place Phoenix Suns sit just two games back.
The Lakers will have another difficult test Saturday, as they host former three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Following Saturday's game, the Lakers will head out on a six-game road trip, beginning with back-to-back games against the Rockets.
With Houston currently leading the season series 1-0, these two upcoming matchups will have serious implications on playoff seeding.
More NBA news:
- Former NBA All-Star calls Bam Adebayo's 83-point game 'not legit'
- JJ Redick speaks on Luke Kennard's incredible shooting season
- Lakers competition to re-sign Austin Reaves revealed by NBA insider
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives hilarious one-liner after game-winning step back
- Collin Gillespie's 3-point success doesn't surprise teammate Devin Booker
- Charles Lee talks LaMelo Ball's signature one-legged three
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