Luka Doncic scores 51, LeBron James returns from injuries to lead Lakers past Bulls 142-130

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, LeBron James added 18 points in his return after missing three games because of injuries and the Los Angeles Lakers used a strong third quarter to defeat the Chicago Bulls 142-130 on Thursday night.

Doncic scored 50 points for the first time as a Laker following the blockbuster trade that sent him from Dallas to Los Angeles in February 2025. It was Doncic’s 13th 40-point game in 82 appearances for Los Angeles, moving into ninth in franchise history.

Austin Reaves chipped in with 30 points, Deandre Ayton had 23 points and 10 rebounds for his 20th double-double of the season, and the Lakers’ four-game winning streak is their longest since running off seven in a row Nov. 14-30.

Los Angeles moved ahead of the idle Houston Rockets into third place in the Western Conference.

Josh Giddey scored 27 points and Matas Buzelis had 22 for the short-handed Bulls, who have alternated wins and losses over their past six games following 11 straight losses in February.

James started off sluggish after being sidelined by a right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot, picking up his only points of the first half on a layup and free throw for a three-point play with 54 seconds remaining. The sequence sparked James, 41, and he made all five of his shots from the field in the third quarter to finish with 11 points in the period.

Giddey and Buzelis combined to go 10 for 20 from 3-point range, finding their shot in the second quarter and keeping the Bulls in striking distance for most of the game. Chicago ended up 15 for 36 from deep.

Bulls: Visit the Clippers on Friday.

Lakers: Host the Nuggets on Saturday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots a free throw during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) goes to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is defended during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

SEATTLE (AP) — Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon had his game misconduct rescinded by the NHL, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday night.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league had not yet announced the move. MacKinnon received a major penalty and game misconduct for crashing into Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram on Tuesday night during Edmonton's 4-3 win.

Because of the reversal, MacKinnon would no longer receive an automatic one-game suspension if he were to receive another game misconduct this season.

After Tuesday's game, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed his frustration about Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse having collided with MacKinnon, propelling him into Ingram.

“There’s no chance he hits the goalie if Nurse doesn’t run into him,” Bednar said. “I don’t care if (Ingram is) injured, not injured, if it’s a severe crash, not a severe crash — it’s not a penalty. If you put guys into your own goalie, it’s not a penalty. ... The goalie’s hurt, so it’s five (minutes). Again, I really don’t give a crap if the goalie’s hurt. That’s on their D-man, not our guy.”

The Avalanche beat Seattle 5-1 on Thursday night. MacKinnon scored in the first period, his NHL-leading 44th goal of the season, and Bednar was relieved afterwards that MacKinnon is expected to have his game misconduct reversed by the league.

“Not surprising for me," Bednar said. "I commented on that enough the other night.”

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) reacts to scoring with center Nazem Kadri (91) against Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord (35) as center Frederick Gaudreau (89) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, left, reacts to scoring with teammates, including defenseman Sam Malinski (70), against the Seattle Kraken during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) moves the puck against Seattle Kraken center Frederick Gaudreau (89) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)