In a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased poor defensive performance and coordination, despite Luka Doncic scoring 34 points. The game began with an unusual turnover from LeBron James, setting a dismal tone. Despite the return of key players like James and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers' defense allowed 146 points—most they’ve given up this season. The second half improved slightly, but overall, the Lakers failed to respond effectively, allowing the Bulls to shoot exceptionally well, marking a concerning performance after a string of games in quick succession.
There was less than a second left in the first quarter when LeBron James went to the sideline to inbound the ball... But instead of it finding Doncic or any Lakers player, it badly curved toward the courtside seats, a screwball turnover in a game littered with mistakes.
Doncic, the player the Lakers acquired to fix their narrow operating margins, scored with ease Saturday night, making three-pointers from all over the court. He finished with 34 points, a carryover from a multi-week stretch of dominant offense.
But everyone else? Back at full strength with James and Rui Hachimura playing for the first time in two weeks, the team looked like a group of strangers, badly beaten 146-115 by a Chicago team nine games under .500.
The Bulls (31-40) made 78.6% of their two-point shots in the first half, the Lakers' defense providing no resistance. They didn't stop Chicago at the rim.
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