With LeBron James returning to the court after a seven-game absence, fans would have been expecting 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. 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 was two steals away from a Quadruple Double.
On the other hand, the Lakers’ defense left a lot to be desired as they let in 146 points. For a team that has done well defensively since the arrival of Luka Doncic, this was a step in the backward 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-OT home game. They also allowed 146 to the Denver Nuggets on 11/6/1984.
JJ Redick did not sound happy with the Lakers’ defense after the game and understandably so.
The West is incredibly tight at the moment and the Lakers cannot afford to put in performances like this.
Only three wins separate the Lakers and the 8th-placed Minnesota Timberwolves 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.
