LOS ANGELES (AP) — Coby White scored 36 points, Josh Giddey flirted with a quadruple-double, and the Chicago Bulls wrecked LeBron James' return from injury with an impressive 146-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. With the victory, the Bulls marked their seventh win in nine games.
Luka Dončić sparked the Lakers with an impressive performance, notably scoring 29 of his 34 points in the first half, including hitting eight 3-pointers. However, his efforts proved insufficient as White and Giddey led the charge for Chicago, who decimated the Lakers’ defense.
This dominant offensive showing was highlighted by Matas Buzelis, who scored a career-high 31 points, plus Josh Giddey's impressive overall contributions of 15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds, and eight steals. White’s six 3-pointers were instrumental in the team’s performance, as eight Bulls players scored at least nine points.
LeBron James, who made his return after missing seven games due to a strained groin, managed to score 17 points alongside six rebounds and four assists, but the Lakers could not find their rhythm defensively. Austin Reaves contributed 25 points in a losing effort, while Rui Hachimura made his return from a knee injury.
The Bulls exploded for 39 points in the third quarter, marking a significant turning point in the game as they pulled away decisively from the Lakers, whose defense struggled throughout. Chicago’s 146 points were 12 more than the Lakers had allowed in any game this season.
The Bulls now hold the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, 1½ games ahead of the Miami Heat as they continue their push toward the playoffs. Chicago's coach expressed pride in this performance, stating, “It was one of our best performances of the season,” especially considering the team was playing their fifth road game in eight nights without starting point guard Tre Jones.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are facing challenges as they begin a long road trip after suffering a discouraging loss at home. Coach Darvin Ham remarked on the need for the team to find a way to regain their solid form before the playoffs.
In other action around the league, the Indiana Pacers narrowly defeated the Brooklyn Nets 108-103. Tyrese Haliburton returned from injury to contribute with 16 points and 12 assists, leading a balanced scoring attack where Pascal Siakam scored a game-high 26 points. Trendon Watford led the Nets with 26 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Pacers.
The Atlanta Hawks also enjoyed success, defeating the Golden State Warriors 124-115. Trae Young scored 25 points and Onyeka Okongwu grabbed 22 rebounds alongside his 22 points. The Warriors struggled without star player Stephen Curry, who was sidelined with a pelvic contusion. Jimmy Butler III topped the Warriors with 25 points in the loss.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks edged the Sacramento Kings 114-108, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stellar performance of 32 points and 17 rebounds. The Kings struggled to overcome the absence of Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, with DeMar DeRozan leading Sacramento with 22 points as they faced another challenging game.
The landscape of the NBA is unfolding as teams prepare for the playoffs—while the Bulls, riding on this victory, seek to maintain their momentum going into their next game against the Denver Nuggets on March 24, 2025. The Lakers, on the other hand, begin a crucial four-game road trip in Orlando, looking to bounce back from this tough home defeat.
This night of basketball showcased the highs and lows of the season, as star players attempted to lead their teams through injury struggles and close competition as they head towards the final stretch of the season.
