Lakers Match Unwanted Record in Loss to Bulls Following LeBron James' Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sourav Mahanty | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 9:00 AM ET

With LeBron James returning to the court after a seven-game absence, fans expected an inspired performance from the Los Angeles Lakers against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have been solid in recent weeks but they are clearly a play-in team at best, and one that the Lakers were expected to get past without much trouble on their home court.

Instead, the Lakers ended up making them look like the 1996 Bulls on the night, with seven of their players scored in double digits in the 146-115 win. Matas Buzelis and Coby White had 30-plus point games while Josh Giddey (15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds, eight steals) came close to a quadruple-double.

On the other hand, the Lakers' defense left a lot to be desired as they allowed 146 points. For a team that has done well defensively since the arrival of Luka Doncic, this was a step in the wrong direction.

They also made some unwanted history on the night. The 146 points allowed by the Lakers are tied for their most ever in a non-overtime home game. They also allowed 146 to the Denver 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

Head coach JJ Redick did not sound happy with the Lakers' defense after the game and understandably so.

"That was the worst our defense has looked, frankly, maybe all year," Redick said, per Lakers Nation's Ryan Ward.

The West is incredibly tight at the moment and the Lakers cannot afford to put in performances like this.

Only three games separate the Lakers (43-27) and the 8th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves (41-31) at the moment.

Also, the Lakers are not in good form. They are 4-6 over their last 10 games while the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Timberwolves are all 8-2 over that same period.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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