MILWAUKEE — The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 13, 2025, and the results were less than favorable. The Lakers suffered a 126-106 defeat, marking their third consecutive loss and highlighting their struggles both on the court and within their roster. New acquisition Luka Doncic gave it his all, scoring 45 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Lakers, as the team faced major holes due to injuries and poor performances from other players.
With notable players missing, including LeBron James (who has been sidelined for two games with a groin strain), Jaxson Hayes (due to knee issues), and Rui Hachimura, coach JJ Redick’s adjustments were put to the test. One of the most glaring issues was the performance of center Alex Len, who started the game but finished with only two points, three rebounds, one assist, and one turnover, all wrapped up in just 19 minutes of play. His lackluster figures contributed to his negative +/- of -15, underscoring the impact of his ineffective play.
NBA analyst Reggie Miller, calling the game for TNT, did not pull any punches when assessing Len’s contribution. "Len, he’s not guarding anyone, he’s not scoring, he’s not rebounding. Go small if you’re the Lakers," Miller said during the broadcast, his critique echoing the frustration of many Lakers fans. During the game, Len struggled fundamentally, particularly against the formidable Bucks frontcourt, including the athletic Giannis Antetokounmpo and the skilled Brook Lopez, who combined for 47 points without much resistance from the Lakers’ defense.
After the game, social media erupted with fans expressing their dissatisfaction with Len’s performance. Comments ranged from calls for the Lakers to waive him to sarcastic comparisons to former teammate Christian Wood. One fan even tweeted, "Never let Alex Len cook again. Christian Wood was more valuable injured," reflecting the desperation and discontentment of the fan base.
The matchup showcased the obstacles the Lakers face as they fight for playoff positioning amid concerns about depth and consistency. With Len being seen as the only real option to physically contend with the likes of Antetokounmpo, Redick had limited choices, forcing him to put Len on the floor. Unfortunately, Len’s defensive shortcomings were exposed, leading to numerous scoring opportunities for the Bucks.
The team's woes were compounded by the challenges associated with creating effective lineups without key players. Redick was left to navigate through matches with players who might not typically see extended minutes together. The absence of reliable centers pushed Len and rookie Christian Koloko, who tallied only two points himself, to the forefront. Collectively, the pair managed to score only eight points across 46 minutes on the floor, raising questions about the Lakers’ strategy as they enter the final stretch of the season.
The Bucks didn’t miss their opportunity, driven by solid contributions from Giannis and others. Alongside Antetokounmpo's impressive all-around performance, Brook Lopez added 23 points, and point guard Damian Lillard contributed 22 points along with 10 assists. Such balanced scoring allowed Milwaukee to put together significant runs throughout the game, especially during the second half when they extended their lead decisively.
This performance marked the end of Milwaukee’s recent three-game losing streak, underlining how quickly fortunes can change within the league. The Bucks are poised to reach their playoff potential, contrasting their rivals, the Lakers, who are grappling with injuries and mounting issues surrounding player performance.
Moving forward, the Lakers will have little room for error as they gear up for their next game against the Denver Nuggets. With the Western Conference tightening, retaking momentum is pivotal for their chances of success. Redick and the Lakers will need to rally, recalibrATING adjustments, potentially reverting to smaller lineups as Miller suggested, and finding reliable performers among those who are available if they hope to challenge for post-season viability.
This game serves as both a wake-up call and potential turning point for Los Angeles' season. Without immediate improvements, they risk falling out of favor as one of the competitive teams battling for playoff positions. Expectations were set high with the addition of Doncic, but if his supporting cast cannot find their footing, the team faces significant challenges moving forward.