Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ disheartening 119-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls, LeBron James has taken responsibility for the team’s late-game collapse. The Lakers, who held a 13-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, ultimately succumbed to a 47-foot buzzer-beating three-pointer from Bulls guard Josh Giddey.
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Acknowledges Role In Collapse Against Chicago Bulls
In response to a social media user, James acknowledged his role in the loss. “Yeah that one on me for sure!! Won’t happen again My bad for fkn your 8 hrs of sleep up,” he stated on X, formerly Twitter. Giddey’s game-winning shot occurred directly in front of James, who attempted to contest the shot but was unable to prevent it from finding the net.
The Lakers’ offensive efforts were led by Austin Reaves (30 points) and Luka Doncic (25 points, 10 rebounds), with contributions from Jaxson Hayes (19 points, eight rebounds) and James (17 points, 12 assists, five rebounds). The Bulls’ scoring was paced by Coby White (26 points), Kevin Huerter (21 points), and Giddey (25 points).
James attributed the loss to a crucial turnover that allowed Giddey the opportunity for the game-winning shot. “We put ourselves in a position to win…Horrible turnover by myself,” James admitted, as reported by SB Nation’s Jacob Rude. “Bad miscommunication on the play before that. AR still hit a big bucket to try to save us, and you tip your hat if someone hits a game-winner from half court.”
This loss follows the narrow victory against the Indiana Pacers, where James secured the win with a tip-in at the buzzer. The Bulls’ buzzer-beater effectively spoiled the Lakers’ attempt at a perfect back-to-back performance.