The LA Lakers crashed to a house loss to the Chicago Bulls with a horrible defensive efficiency.
Heading into the March 22 match-up, the best variety of factors the LA Lakers had allowed in a recreation was 134, in opposition to each the Miami Warmth and Atlanta Hawks, each again in December.
Loads has been fabricated from their improved protection since, till the Chicago Bulls got here to LA and put up 146.
The night time was the Bull’s largest successful margin of the season, the place the whole lot got here collectively, proving there may be severe life after the Zach LaVine commerce.
From a Lakers’ perspective, it was a disastrous defensive efficiency.
It’s one factor having a horrible defensive recreation in December, when the groups are nonetheless looking for a rhythm, and in lots of circumstances, a way of urgency.
LA Lakers legend and former group government Magic Johnson is anxious concerning the timing of the 115-146 loss, mentioning that the post-season is quick approaching.
He posted on X: “C’mon Lakers, the place was the protection final night time?
“There’s no means they need to have allowed the Chicago Bulls to attain 145 factors, particularly preparing for the Playoffs!”
Magic Johnson’s former Lakers’ teammate James Worthy had individually praised Bulls star Coby White, who scored 36 factors in the course of the win.
Talking after the sport by way of ESPN, Lakers head coach JJ Redick referred to as for the group to reset and try to discover themselves once more, forward of the playoffs.
He stated: “These subsequent 12 video games, you’ve obtained to refind your means. It’s a perpetually flowing river that we’ve swiftly run right into a beaver’s [dam] … and we obtained to get able to get the water flowing once more.”
Luka Doncic admitted his turnovers didn’t assist the group throughout their loss to the Bulls, however it’s as much as the group to collectively enhance, forward of dealing with the Orlando Magic on March 24.
Huge challenges lie forward, with the Lakers set to play eight of the final 12 video games on the highway.
They rank fourth within the Western Convention at 43-27, amid a good race for positions with the Timberwolves eighth at 41-31.
