Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is still learning the game within the game in his second year in the NBA. They got a tough lesson in their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
In the second quarter, Buzelis started talking to Lakers guard Luka Doncic, hoping to get him off his game. However, it had the opposite effect. Doncic became excited and counterattacked Buzelis and scored 12 consecutive points.
From there it was all disappointment for the Bulls, as the Lakers won 142–130. Doncic finished with season highs of 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
After the game, the 21-year-old Bouzelis admitted that his biggest takeaway was to never talk trash about Doncic again, though he also displayed his mentality.
“Obviously, when I started talking to him he started hitting. But I don’t back down from anybody. It doesn’t matter who you are. I accepted the challenge, but it didn’t work out,” Bouzelis said in a video posted by Chicago Sports Network.
“I don’t back down from anyone. No matter who you are.”
Matas Buzelis reflects on his back-and-forth with Luka Doncic tonight pic.twitter.com/lbwNkrSQXj
– Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) 13 March 2026
Despite the tough lessons, Bouzelis played well, scoring 22 points, including four three-pointers, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Bulls fell to 27–39, while the Lakers improved to 41–25.
Doncic said that Bouzelis “woke me up”, adding that he was surprised that the young forward was chirping at him.
His mask may look innocent, but the six-time All-Star is notorious for running his mouth. Doncic has stunned several players, including Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn.
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