Veteran still strong! 41-year-old LeBron James scores 24 points, Doncic records 46+7+11, Lakers end Bulls' 4-game winning streak

On January 27th Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Bulls played at home against the Lakers. LeBron James, at 41 years old, shone in the first half by putting up 20 points. The Lakers maintained control in the second half, and despite the Bulls’ widespread scoring efforts, they couldn't reverse the outcome. Doncic led the game in scoring, while Rui Hachimura stood out as a surprise performer. Ultimately, after four intense quarters, the Lakers won 129-118 over the Bulls.

Statistical summary:

Bulls: Smith 13 points, 7 rebounds; Vucevic 18 points, 11 rebounds; Bazemore 11 points; White 23 points; Giddey 19 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists; Dosunmu 20 points

Lakers: Doncic 46 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists; LeBron James 24 points; Smart 12 points; Hachimura 23 points

Game progression:

In the first quarter, LeBron James opened the scoring, but the Bulls quickly responded with a 10-4 run to take the lead. Ayton’s alley-oop dunk stopped the bleeding, yet the Bulls kept scoring and extended their lead to six points. In the latter part of the quarter, LeBron kept scoring and cut the deficit to two points, with both teams locked in a tight battle. Near the end, the Lakers suddenly surged with a 12-3 run to retake the lead. The first quarter ended with the Lakers ahead 35-31 by 4 points.

At the start of the second quarter, Williams scored on a layup trying to close the gap, but LeBron immediately answered with a three-pointer. Then LeBron converted a layup and a three-point play to further increase the lead, marking a personal highlight stretch for him as the Lakers pushed their advantage to double digits. Both teams then entered a stalemate, with the margin staying around 10 points. Later, the Lakers went on an 11-3 run, widening the gap to 20 points. The Bulls woke up late, finishing the half with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit. At halftime, the Lakers led 69-56 by 13 points. Notably, the Bulls’ home crowd paid tribute to Kobe Bryant with a video during the break.

In the third quarter, Smith hit a three-pointer, and Doncic quickly responded with a step-back three. The teams exchanged baskets early on, maintaining a tight contest. This time, the Bulls pushed a 7-0 run to narrow the gap to just one point. At a critical moment, Smart completed a three-point play to stabilize the Lakers, who then answered with an 8-0 run to extend their lead again. Although the Bulls fought to catch up, the Lakers consistently responded and gradually increased the margin. The third quarter ended with the Lakers leading 104-89, a 15-point advantage.

In the final quarter, the Bulls started with a 7-2 run to send a warning to the Lakers. LeBron, scoreless in the third quarter, made two free throws to stop the bleeding. The Bulls kept pressing offensively, but Rui Hachimura stepped up as a key factor, scoring consecutively to help the Lakers maintain a double-digit lead. The Bulls stayed close throughout, but in the last three minutes, the Lakers exploded with an 8-3 run to pull away. Dosunmu hit a floater to halt the run, but Doncic made one of two free throws to extend the lead. With time running out, the Bulls couldn’t mount a comeback. The game ended with the Lakers beating the Bulls 129-118.

Starting lineups:

Bulls: Okoro, Smith, Vucevic, Bazemore, White

Lakers: LeBron James, Doncic, Ayton, Smart, LaRavia