The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls 142-130 on Thursday night as LeBron James returned from a three-game absence. Fans have been questioning the Lakers' defense all season when their three stars play, and it was awful again. Luka Doncic’s 51-point masterpiece, fueled by trash talk, saved the Lakers, but the problem remains.
Chicago plays fast and can get buckets. Still, the Lakers' defense was unacceptable. All the mistakes that have haunted them returned. They kept missing assignments, had zero ball pressure, weren’t closing out to shooters, and were giving up easy buckets at the rim. The Bulls looked unstoppable thanks to LA’s disastrous defense.
Head coach JJ Redick was happy the Lakers got the win, but he was clearly upset with the defensive performance. The purple and gold will score. That isn’t a question, but their defense will determine their playoff success. It sadly looked atrocious again with their three stars playing.
Lakers defense issues were instantly back as LeBron James returned
LeBron missed three straight games with a foot injury, and the Lakers had given up 106.7 points per game during his absence. The Bulls scored more with over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. There was virtually no resistance from LA, and that will be a massive problem against the best teams.
The Lakers gave up 130 points and allowed 32 or more in three of the four quarters. This wasn’t the Thunder or Nuggets. Chicago is rebuilding and sold at the trade deadline. It is not like they are some unstoppable force. It forced head coach JJ Redick to say this about the Lakers' defense.
“I wish there was something I could praise about our defense tonight, but I’m not going to be able to.”
The defensive issues looked fixed without LeBron. They were more connected and appeared to have found some strong groups.
The Lakers didn’t have Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, or Jaxson Hayes on Thursday night against the Bulls. Smart was missed, but they have to figure out how to play Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves together to make a deep playoff run. Coach Redick has tried different pairings, but it hasn't worked. Things looks unsustainable on the defensive end right now.
The star trio has struggled to get reps this season, as virtually one of the three has been out all season. Los Angeles’ top priority has to be figuring this out. If they don’t, it will be another first-round playoff exit for the Lakers.
Coach Redick was right. There was nothing good to say about the Los Angeles Lakers' defense on Thursday night. They won behind a masterful offensive performance led by a 51-point game from Luka Doncic. He is an elite offensive engine and virtually unstoppable when his jumper is falling. The Don will make sure the purple and gold score.
They still have to figure out how to get stops. It didn’t happen against the Bulls and hasn’t with the three stars on the floor. The Lakers are rolling and have won four straight. Hopefully, they can figure out their defense. If not, it will be a disappointing season. The pressure is certainly on, so stay tuned.