Image source: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Luka Doncic delivered another monster night on Monday as the Los Angeles Lakers star exploded for 46 points to stop the Chicago Bulls’ late push on the road.
It was one of those classic scoring performances from Luka Doncic, but the real tension didn’t show until the postgame media session.
Reporters asked him about balancing scoring with passing, something head coach JJ Redick has emphasized repeatedly since a recent loss to the LA Clippers.
“I think I was just being aggressive, see what the defense gives you,” Luka Doncic told the media when asked about his approach, according to postgame availability.
He poked fun at Redick’s pass-first philosophy afterward, joking that JJ might be annoyed with him for firing up 25 shots instead of sharing the ball.
The comment drew laughs, but the awareness underneath was noticeable because Luka Doncic knows what the coaching staff wants, even if his instincts pull him toward scoring.
Against Chicago, he leaned into those instincts but still found ways to get teammates involved.
The eight made threes were huge, but the real difference was how Luka Doncic mixed tough shot-making with sharp passes that bent the Bulls’ defense all night.
He fired no-look assists, whipped cross-court passes, and made fast reads that kept the Lakers’ offense flowing and energized the bench unit.
Luka Doncic acknowledged the help, saying, “Rui [Hachimura] was awesome. The whole bench was awesome today. They helped us a lot. They lifted us up in the second quarter when we were going down.”
Hachimura, who recently shifted to a bench role, finished with 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting and posted the second-highest plus/minus on the roster.
So far in Los Angeles, the tension between Luka Doncic’s scoring instincts and his role as a creator has become one of the defining elements of his Lakers tenure.
During his own media session, Redick was asked about coaching a player who can light up teammates with passes while also taking shots that most coaches would call risky.
He added that coaching Luka Doncic requires patience because “you have to be willing to live with some of the stuff that he tries,” since the results are often worth it.
Redick also acknowledged that Luka Doncic’s style can test a coach when the shots stop falling, which has happened at times this season.
However, Redick’s familiarity with Luka Doncic — from their time together in Dallas — gives him insight into why reining him in too tightly can dull the magic.
Against the Bulls, that freedom paid off as Luka Doncic pushed the system’s limits without derailing the structure, lifting everyone around him in the process.
For the Lakers, the same habits that might frustrate a coach on one night were the exact reasons they walked away with a strong road win on this one.
FAQ:
How many points did Luka Doncic score against the Chicago Bulls?
Luka Doncic scored 46 points against the Bulls in the Lakers’ road win.
Why did Luka Doncic joke about his shot attempts?
He joked about taking 25 shots because JJ Redick has been asking for more passing and ball movement, so it became a light-hearted moment in the press conference.
What did JJ Redick say about coaching Luka Doncic?
Redick said Luka is always creating and that coaches have to live with some risky plays because they often lead to great results.
Is Luka Doncic only focused on scoring?
No. Luka scored at a high level, but he also passed well and helped move the ball, which kept the Lakers’ offense balanced.
How did Rui Hachimura perform in the game?
Rui Hachimura came off the bench and scored 23 points on efficient shooting, giving the Lakers a big boost.
Why does JJ Redick talk about passing and ball movement so much?
Redick wants the Lakers to make faster reads and create better shots through ball movement, which helps open up the offense for players like Luka Doncic.
Did Luka Doncic’s style frustrate the coaching staff?
At times his shot selection can test a coach, but Redick understands that strict control could hurt Doncic’s creativity, which is a major part of his game.
What makes Luka Doncic hard to coach?
His mix of tough shot-making and flashy passing can be risky, but Redick believes the rewards usually outweigh the mistakes.
Why did the Lakers beat the Bulls?
The Lakers won because Luka scored at a high level, hit eight threes, and got strong support from the bench unit.
What has defined Luka Doncic’s time with the Lakers so far?
The balance between scoring and playmaking has become a defining part of his role, and Redick is learning how to guide that without limiting his creativity.
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