Josh Giddey nearly made history by recording the first quadruple-double of the century.
The Chicago Bulls (31-40) delivered a commanding performance against the Los Angeles Lakers (43-27) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday (22nd). Despite the Lakers welcoming back LeBron James after a seven-game absence, they were overwhelmed by Chicago’s cohesive play. The Bulls’ offensive firepower propelled them to a resounding 146-115 victory – the largest margin in the history of this inter-conference rivalry in the NBA.
Seven Chicago players finished the game with double-digit points. The team also posted impressive shooting percentages, hitting 58.3% from the field (56/96) and 46.3% from three-point range (19/41). Meanwhile, Los Angeles struggled, attempting 11 fewer field goals and committing 21 turnovers, which the Bulls converted into 27 points.
Coby White and Josh Giddey led the charge for Chicago. White was the game’s top scorer with 36 points, shooting 12/17 from the field and making six three-pointers. Giddey, at just 22 years old, nearly made history by recording the first quadruple-double of the century, finishing with 15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds, and eight steals. He became the first player in NBA history to record this stat line.
Rookie Matas Buzelis also had a career-best performance with 31 points. Kevin Huerter and Patrick Williams contributed 14 points each, while Nikola Vucevic recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Dalen Terry added 13 points to round out Chicago’s dominant effort.
For the Lakers, LeBron James recorded 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in his first game since March 8. Luka Doncic once again starred for Los Angeles, finishing with 34 points – including eight three-pointers – along with eight rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves added 25 points, while Jaxson Hayes chipped in 10.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers Playoffs chances: Can the Lakers Qualify for the Playoffs?
The first quarter was closely contested. Doncic and James led the Lakers early, but the Bulls capitalized on fast breaks to take an early lead (17-14).
Doncic then erupted for 11 straight points, sparking a brief Lakers comeback in the final five minutes. However, White, who was also in top form, responded with a clutch shot that secured a 32-31 lead for the Bulls at the end of the period.
In the second quarter, Chicago maintained its intensity, quickly building a seven-point advantage (46-39), with Patrick Williams hitting a three-pointer to cap an 11-3 run.
Reaves and Doncic kept the Lakers within striking distance, but Los Angeles continued to struggle defensively, allowing easy baskets inside. The Lakers managed to tie the game at 59-59 at one point, but the Bulls still entered halftime with a 65-62 lead.
Also Read: “If I Had Any Influence…”- Mark Cuban Opens Up About Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade
Chicago’s offense remained on fire in the third quarter, scoring 39 points on 56.5% shooting (13/23) and an outstanding 80% from beyond the arc (8/10). This offensive surge helped the Bulls extend their lead to 104-89 heading into the final 12 minutes.
With a comfortable lead, the Bulls controlled the tempo in the fourth quarter. The Lakers had already turned to their bench when Buzelis led a 9-0 run, stretching the visitors’ lead to 30 points (135-105). The game then entered garbage time, sealing Chicago’s dominant victory.
The win continues the Bulls’ strong recent form, as they have now won seven of their last nine games and remain in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, suffering their second consecutive loss, are still battling for home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs, currently sitting fourth.
Both teams return to action on Monday, March 24. Chicago will face the Denver Nuggets in the final game of a six-game road trip, while Los Angeles heads to Florida to take on the Orlando Magic.
NBA 
