Luka Doncic drops 51 as Lakers explode in LeBron's return - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic scored 51 points Thursday, his highest-scoring game with the Lakers, and L.A. rolled over the Chicago Bulls 142-130 in LeBron James' return from a three-game absence.

«It feels special,» said Doncic, who checked out late in the fourth quarter to a standing ovation, with James imploring the crowd to cheer louder. «Obviously, to have a 50-point game in here, it feels very special.»

James scored 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting with seven rebounds and seven assists, and all five Lakers starters scored in double digits as L.A.'s first unit scored 137 points, the most by a starting lineup in a regulation game since the 1970-71 season, according to ESPN Research. Austin Reaves (30 points), Deandre Ayton (23 points) and Rui Hachimura (15 points) also poured it on.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said it was an intentionally team-first approach and an example of sacrifice by James, who saw L.A. rip off a three-game winning streak while the 41-year-old was sidelined with foot, elbow and hip injuries.

«LeBron and I, we talked, we had a great conversation over the last couple days,» Redick said. «He wants to do everything possible to help his team win, and he understands the importance of making sure Luka and AR can be at their best. And you know, that's incredible with him.

»It speaks a lot to just how much he cares about this team and his teammates, and how much he wants to win."

Did James consider it a sacrifice to play that way?

«I mean, if it benefits others, it benefits the team. The team is most important,» he said. «Everybody's successful when we win. So yeah, it is a sacrifice. I know what I'm capable of still doing as an individual, but what's important for this team, I'm able to adapt to… And that's the