One game after defeating the Indiana Pacers on a game-winner from LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers were on the other end of a game-winning buzzer-beater against the Chicago Bulls. After Austin Reaves put Los Angeles up 117-116 with 3.3 seconds remaining, Bulls guard Josh Giddey knocked down a mid-court heave for the win.
Despite finishing with an impressive line of 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, Luka Doncic did not have his best performance in the loss to Chicago. Making just eight of his 22 field goal attempts, Doncic missed some key shots down the stretch that helped leave the door open for Chicago.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Doncic sent a clear message about how this loss feels.
"It's hard to lose like that," Doncic admitted via Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation. "We had basically had the game in hand. When you lose like this, it's hard, especially in a back-to-back. I think we fought hard. It's hard to lose like that."
Luka: "It's hard to lose like that. We had basically had the game in hand. When you lose like this, it's hard, especially in a back-to-back. I think we fought hard. It's hard to lose like that."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 28, 2025
Not only does the nature of this loss make it sting for Los Angeles, but the Lakers are also amid a tight seeding battle in the Western Conference. Now 44-29, the Lakers sit just two losses above the Play-In Tournament. LA's dream of reestablishing itself as the second seed is also fading, as the Houston Rockets now sit three games above the Lakers for that spot.
Back in action on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers have an opportunity to face another key opponent.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 8:23 PM.