Aussies Abroad: Giddey's heroics not enough for Bulls

Josh Giddey encouraged with a season-high 15 assists but still Chicago sank to a seventh successive loss, pushing pacesetters Philadelphia 127-121.

LeBron James also had a season-high with 22 points for the 9-2 76ers - the Eastern Conference leaders - who are off to their best 11-game start since going 10-1 to open the 2000/01 NBA season.

Boomers guard Giddey (19 points, 15 assists, seven rebounds) had seven assists in the first quarter alone and even threw a perfect pass to a wide-open referee for one of his five turnovers in the loss.

Another came in the final 25 seconds of the contest when Giddey was plucked by James to all but seal the result after the Australian had earlier shown his disgust when his drive to the rim wasn't awarded with a foul call.

It was still easily Giddey's most productive night this season after the 24-year-old had been copping heat for his quiet start to the Bulls' campaign.

Matas Buzelis added 19 points for the rebuilding Bulls, who got 18 from high-profile rookie Caleb Wilson, and 17 from Jalen Smith but dropped to 1-8, their third-worst nine-game start in team history.

Jaylen Brown scored 29 points, Joel Embiid had 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and Tyrese Maxey had 27 plus seven assists for the 76ers.

Chicago, who next host San Antonio, started 0-9 in 1967/68 - the franchise's second season - and 2004/05.

In Detroit, Los Angeles defied the absence of Luka Doncic and improved to 9-2 thanks to Austin Reaves, who poured in 43 points in a 121-116 defeat of the Pistons.

Doncic, averaging 45 points, nine rebounds and eight assists over his past four games, was ruled out earlier on Sunday (Monday AEDT) with lower back tightness. 

Starting again for the Lakers, Boomers hopeful Matisse Thybulle was impactful with four steals and four points despite missing all three attempts from long range.

And LaMelo Ball continued his fine season, collecting 24 points, five assists and three rebounds in Minnesota's 115-100 home defeat of Utah.