Luka Doncic stats tonight: How did Lakers superstar perform in return game vs Bulls? (Mar. 22)

LA Lakers superstar Luka Doncic returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing the previous game because of ankle issues and delivered a solid all-around performance, finishing with 34 points, eight rebounds and six assists. However, it was not enough to lift his team over the visiting Chicago Bulls, as the Lakers fell 146-115.

The Slovenian sensation scored 29 of his total points in the first half, helping the Lakers stay within striking distance, trailing 65-62 at halftime.

Chicago took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers 39-27 to open up a 104-89 lead heading into the fourth.

In the final period, the Bulls continued to dominate, extending their lead to 123-103 with seven minutes left and never looking back

In addition to Doncic, LeBron James (groin) also returned for the Lakers after missing seven games, finishing with 17 points. Austin Reaves added 25 points.

For the Bulls, Coby White led seven players in double figures, scoring a game-high 36 points. Rookie Matas Buzelis also contributed 31.

The loss dropped the Lakers to 43-27 and marked their second straight defeat. They now embark on a four-game road trip, beginning with the Orlando Magic on Monday.

Below are Luka Doncic's stats tonight against the Chicago Bulls:

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Luka Doncic	31:34	34	8	6	10	18	55.6	8	13	61.5	6	8	75.0	4	4	0	0	7	1	-9

Luka Doncic upbeat about Lakers’ defensive progress

The LA Lakers are down to the homestretch of their regular season campaign, and Luka Doncic is optimistic about how things are shaping up defensively.

He recently spoke about the improvements, highlighting better communication and cohesion on defense that have strengthened the team's overall play.

“I think everybody’s connected on the defensive end. There’s a lot of talk, a lot of communication, and then on the effort side everybody’s doing a good job,” he said.

When Doncic arrived to the Lakers last month, defense was one of the biggest concerns, as LA had traded away defensive anchor Anthony Davis in the deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

However, Jaxson Hayes and LeBron James have stepped up defensively, along with Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jordan Goodwin and Gabe Vincent, helping keep the Lakers in the top 10 in defensive rating (113).

Before allowing 145 points to the Bulls on Saturday, the Lakers had held opponents to just 108 points per game over their previous four contests, going 3-1 in that stretch.

Doncic and the Lakers are currently third in the Western Conference at 43-27 and are aiming to secure an outright playoff spot with 12 games remaining in the regular season.