Lakers Suffer Demoralizing Defeat Against Bulls Ahead of Tough Road Trip

LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2025 — The Los Angeles Lakers faced a crushing defeat, falling 146-115 to the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night, just ahead of a crucial four-game road trip.

With a 43-26 record, the Lakers entered the game in third place in the Western Conference, while the struggling Bulls held a 30-40 record. This matchup was particularly important for Los Angeles as they sought to strengthen their playoff positioning amidst a rocky stretch of games.

Despite the Lakers being nearly at full strength with the return of several key players, including LeBron James — who had missed six games due to a groin strain — the team displayed a lack of cohesion on the court. James was one of five players returning from injury, alongside Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

However, the Bulls quickly took control, establishing a 10-point lead by the second quarter. Their commanding performance allowed them to extend their advantage to as much as 34 points by the end of the game. The Lakers struggled defensively and committed 21 turnovers, which the Bulls capitalized on for 26 fast-break points.

Head coach JJ Redick expressed his disappointment following the game, emphasizing the need for better execution. “Everyone is day-to-day, including LeBron and Rui. We knew this stretch post-All-Star break was going to be tough,” Redick said. “We need to tighten things up defensively and cut down on mistakes.”

LeBron James scored 34 points, but was outshined by the Bulls’ Coby White, who scored 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting and was a consistent threat from three-point range. The Lakers fell behind significantly as they continued to fail in controlling the ball, while the Bulls showcased strong offensive capabilities.

Turnovers plagued the Lakers early on; they trailed 65-62 at halftime despite shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc. Dončić brought his scoring prowess to the game, leading the Lakers with 29 points at the half, yet the team continued to struggle defensively. “We didn’t protect the ball well, and it cost us,” said Dončić.

As the third quarter progressed, the Lakers’ efforts to mount a comeback were thwarted by the Bulls, who outscored them in the paint 54-36 and held a significant advantage in fast-break points.

Moving ahead, the Lakers will attempt to regroup against the Bulls once more on Thursday. They remain in contention for a playoff spot but will need to sharpen their performance, especially without forward Rui Hachimura, who will be sidelined due to injury. The next games are critical for both teams, who are looking to secure favorable standings as the season heads toward the playoffs.

As the teams prepare for their upcoming rematch, the strategies employed by each will be crucial as they navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of the NBA.