The Los Angeles Lakers fell 126-103 to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. This game was the highly anticipated return of LeBron James who missed seven contests due to a groin injury. Luka Doncic also returned to the lineup after missing LA's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
While Doncic had an impressive performance with 34 points, eight rebounds and six assists, he turned the ball over seven times and only scored five points in the second half. It was also the defensive end that plagued the Lakers, as Chicago was able to shoot 59.3% from the field en route to a season-high 146 points.
LA's defensive performance on Saturday was not just its worst of the season, but tied the worst in franchise history.
"The 146 points allowed by Lakers are tied for their most ever in a non-OT home game," Josh Dubow of the Associated Press reported. "They also allowed 146 to Nuggets on 11/6/1984."
The 146 points allowed by Lakers are tied for their most ever in a non-OT home game. They also allowed 146 to Nuggets on 11/6/1984 https://t.co/wmU7VOVbZl
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) March 23, 2025
Chicago was led by Josh Giddey who turned in a historic performance. His final line of 15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds and eight steals had never been achieved in NBA history prior to Saturday night (via Bulls).
This loss drops the Lakers below the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings, as they will finish the night as the fourth seed. Now 43-27, Los Angeles is just three losses above the LA Clippers who are the seventh seed.
The Lakers are back in action on Monday against the Orlando Magic.
Related: Luka Doncic Makes NBA History in Chicago Bulls Game
Related: Bulls Make Historic Josh Giddey Announcement After Lakers Game
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 10:26 PM.