The Los Angeles Lakers entered their Saturday matchup against the Chicago Bulls with high expectations, boasting a fully healthy roster and favored by 10.5 points. However, their struggles on both ends of the court led to a shocking 146-115 defeat at Crypto.com Arena. The loss overshadowed the return of LeBron James, who had missed the previous seven games due to a groin injury.
With the loss, the Lakers dropped to 43-27, maintaining the fourth seed in the Western Conference but losing six of their last ten games and second in a row. Their defensive struggles remain a major concern heading into the postseason. Meanwhile, the Bulls improved to 31-40, holding onto the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference as they push for a play-in spot.
The Los Angeles Lakers Falter Despite Luka Doncic’s Heroics
Luka Doncic once again displayed his offensive brilliance, finishing with 34 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while shooting 10-of-18 from the field and 8-of-13 from the free-throw line. He was particularly dominant in the first half, tallying 29 points, seven rebounds, and seven three-pointers.
Luka Doncic in the first half:
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 23, 2025
29 points
7 rebounds
7 3PM
(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/Xq7ZKDv4o1
Anthony Reaves provided additional support with 25 points and five assists, while LeBron James, in his return, recorded 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes. The Lakers struggled with efficiency and ball movement, committing costly turnovers and failing to contain Chicago’s perimeter attack.
Josh Giddey nearly etched his name in NBA history by flirting with a quadruple-double, finishing with 15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds, and 8 steals. If he had secured two more steals, he would have become the first player to record a quadruple-double since David Robinson in 1997.
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Additionally, Coby White exploded for 36 points, while Matas Buzelis contributed 31 points in an efficient 30-minute outing. Patrick Williams and Kevin Huerter each added 14 points in the Bulls win.
