On a night when the Lakers found themselves in the middle of a shootout with a red-hot Bulls team from deep, it wasn’t the offense that told the story - it was the defense. Even with Chicago lighting it up from three, the Lakers turned in one of their most connected defensive efforts of the season. The box score might not scream “elite defense,” but if you watched the game, you saw a team that was locked in - creating turnovers, finishing possessions with rebounds, and staying composed even when the Bulls made their runs.
The fourth quarter saw a bit of slippage, sure, but this wasn’t a repeat of the Dallas game. The Lakers had answers, and that resilience showed up across the roster. Let’s break down the individual performances and how each player measured up to expectations.
Jake LaRavia
33 minutes, 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, -9
LaRavia is the kind of player every team needs - the glue guy who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. His motor was on full display, constantly in motion, chasing rebounds, rotating on defense, and doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score.
One standout sequence had him sprinting after a long rebound, getting beat to the ball, but then hustling back to box out Vučević and secure the board on the other end. That’s winning basketball.
Grade: A-
LeBron James
33 minutes, 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 9-19 FG, 1-4 3PT, 5-6 FT, -14
LeBron was dialed in for three quarters, mixing in highlight-reel dunks with solid defensive effort. While the fourth quarter was quieter, he did plenty to keep the Lakers in control through the early stages.
He had a few rough misses, but this was another night where his presence on both ends helped stabilize things.
Grade: B+
Deandre Ayton
22 minutes, 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3-6 FG, -15
Ayton’s role continues to shrink in crunch time - this marked the fourth straight game he didn’t finish. While one of those was due to an eye issue against Denver, the trend is hard to ignore.
Two rebounds in 22 minutes from your starting center isn’t going to cut it, especially when the team is leaning on defensive stops.
Grade: D-
Marcus Smart
32 minutes, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3-6 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-7 FT, +5
This was a classic Smart performance - steady, gritty, and dependable. He played within himself, knocked down his shots, and brought his usual defensive edge.
The missed free throws late gave Bulls fans some hope, but overall, Smart was a positive presence on the floor.
Grade: B+
Luka Dončić
38 minutes, 46 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, 15-25 FG, 8-14 3PT, 8-12 FT, +6
This was Luka at his most effortless - and that’s saying something. He was lights-out from three, found his teammates with ease, and closed the game with poise.
The step-back threes in crunch time were vintage Luka, and the way he managed his energy throughout the game suggests he and Coach Redick are starting to find a rhythm in how they pace him. One of his best shooting nights of the season, and it came with full control of the offense.
Grade: A+
Jaxson Hayes
23 minutes, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 3-4 FG, 2-2 FT, +26
Hayes had the play of the night - a highlight that was equal parts thrilling and terrifying - but beyond that, he was rock solid defensively. He was active on switches, closed out hard on shooters, and used his athleticism to disrupt plays on the perimeter.
His energy helped swing momentum, and that +26 in 23 minutes tells the story.
Grade: B+
Gabe Vincent
12 minutes, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, +13
Vincent didn’t light up the scoreboard, but he had a nice moment catching a ridiculous behind-the-back crosscourt dime from Luka and making the extra pass to Rui for a corner three. That kind of unselfish play is what keeps the offense humming.
Still, he’s got to find his shot to earn more time.
Grade: C
Rui Hachimura
29 minutes, 23 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 9-11 FG, 4-5 3PT, +22
This was the Rui the Lakers have been waiting for - aggressive, efficient, and confident. After a strong fourth quarter in Dallas, he carried that momentum into Chicago and delivered four quarters of impact.
He was automatic from midrange and beyond the arc, giving the Lakers a much-needed scoring punch off the bench.
Grade: A+
Jarred Vanderbilt
17 minutes, 2 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, +21
Vando did what Vando does - defend, rebound, and bring energy. He was part of several key lineups that made big runs, and while his offensive game remains limited, his impact on the other end was undeniable.
Grade: B+
Drew Timme
Did not play or record significant stats.
Final Thoughts:
The Lakers may not have had the cleanest box score, but this was a win built on grit, hustle, and timely execution. With Luka in superstar mode and key role players like Rui and Hayes stepping up, this was a reminder that when the Lakers defend with urgency and play together, they’re a tough out - even against a team shooting the lights out.