The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed back key players, including LeBron James, for their game against the Chicago Bulls. However, their return did not translate into success, as they suffered a stunning 146-115 defeat. Following the blowout, coach JJ Redick expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s defensive performance.
Los Angeles Lakers Defense Cost Them Embrassing Loss
Chicago’s offense erupted in the second half, fueled by hot shooting from beyond the arc. They scored 39 points in the third quarter and 42 in the fourth. While acknowledging that opponents will have strong shooting nights, Redick believed the Lakers contributed to Chicago’s offensive surge by failing to adequately defend.
“The disposition and the mentality, I don’t know if we assumed because we had everybody back that it was just gonna be like it was three weeks ago, and that’s just not the way this works … That was the worst our defense has looked frankly maybe all year, but certainly in the last three months,” Redick stated after the game.
Having navigated a demanding stretch of their schedule, the Lakers are now reintegrating key players for the final push of the regular season. Redick recognized that it would take time for the team to regain its rhythm, but emphasized that this did not excuse their poor defensive showing against the Bulls.
Despite the loss, the Lakers maintain the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a 43-27 record. Redick will have an opportunity to steer the team back on course when they face the Orlando Magic on Monday night.