CHICAGO -- LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are currently mired in 11th place in the Western Conference and 6.5 games behind a playoffs berth.
But they are still playing with a sharp edge, thanks to their team captain.
James, a four-time league MVP and three-time NBA champion, LeBron sizzled with 36 points and 10 rebounds to lift Los Angeles from the crevice of a 20-point deficit and stun the Chicago Bulls, 123-107, on Tuesday night at a jampacked United Center.
His knees felt "bouncy" James told The Chicago Tribune following a royal performance that included several highlight dunks. The former Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat star shot 15 of 23 from the field, 2-of-4 from 3-point distance and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.
Veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope netted 4-of-8 triples to finish with 24 while Kyle Kuzma added 21 points and five rebounds as the Lakers kept their faint playoffs hopes alive with an improved 31-36 slate.
Robin Lopez had 20 points for the Bulls, who were officially eliminated from the postseason following their 50th loss in 69 starts.
After a solid start in which they jumped to a 36-16 advantage in the second quarter, Chicago's shooters went cold while Los Angeles unleashed a 43-point third quarter run after outscoring the Bulls in the second quarter, 39-26.
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