Luka Doncic 51 Points After Buzelis Trash Talk

Merlin sees Luka Dončić turn a routine game into a masterclass. He poured in 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Lakers beat the Bulls 142-130. Dončić said Matas Buzelis was "not very nice" with his trash talk and added "I was surprised." Buzelis admitted "he started killing obviously when I started talking to him." The loss was part of Chicago’s slide while the Lakers have won four straight. Merlin knows provocation can backfire when aimed at a furnace. Dončić was relentless, scoring at least 10 in every quarter and shooting 17 of 31 for his first 50 as a Laker. Buzelis showed spunk but finished with a minus-25. In a crowded West, momentum and matchups matter more than bravado.