The LA Lakers were defeated by the Chicago Bulls with a terrible defensive performance.
Heading towards the matchup on March 22nd, the highest points that the La Lakers allowed in the game was 134, both against both the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks in December.
There’s been a lot going on about their improved defense until the Chicago bulls came to LA and raised 146.
The night was the biggest victory margin of the season, where everything came together to prove that there was a serious life after Zach Lavine’s trade.
From the Lakers’ perspective, it was a disastrous defensive performance.
One of the things that will be playing a scary defensive game in December, when teams are still trying to find rhythm, often a sense of urgency.
La Lakers Legend and former team executive Magic Johnson are worried about the timing of the 115-146 loss, pointing out that the postseason is approaching.
He posted on X: “C’mon Lakers, where was the defense last night?
“There’s no way to allow the Chicago Bulls to score 145 points. Especially prepare for the playoffs!”
James Worthy, a former Lakers teammate of Magic Johnson, had separately praised Bulls star Coby White, who scored 36 points during the victory.
After the game via ESPN, Lakers head coach JJ Redick called on the team to reset and find themselves again ahead of the playoffs.
He states: “The next 12 games, you have to revive your own path. It’s a river of constant flow that we suddenly come across a beaver (dam)…and we’ve prepared to flow again.”
Luka Donsic admitted that he didn’t help the team when his sales were lost to the Bulls, but it’s up to the team to improve collectively before facing the Orlando Magic on March 24th.
The Lakers are set to play eight of the last 12 games on the road, with major challenges coming first.
They rank fourth in the Western Conference, 43-27 amid a tough competition for positions at the Timberwolves 8th in 41-31.