LUKA DONCIC OWNS UP TO COSTLY TURNOVERS AS LAKERS SUFFER CRUSHING LOSS

The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to shine in their first game back at full strength, but instead, they delivered one of their worst performances of the season. In a 146-115 blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers were dismantled in every facet of the game—and Luka Doncic wasn’t about to dodge responsibility.

Doncic, who led the Lakers in scoring with 34 points on 55.6% shooting, also committed a team-high seven turnovers. After the game, he was quick to hold himself accountable for the sloppy play that allowed the Bulls to run rampant in transition.

"I think it was more basketball. It's always great to have people back. You know that first game is always tough, I can tell. But they made a bunch of shots."

"I think they scored a lot of transition points, especially on my turnovers. So, I got to do that better. To me, I can't be losing the ball seven times. That's way too many for me."

The Bulls turned the Lakers’ 21 total turnovers into 27 points, outscored them 30-12 in fast break opportunities, and dominated the paint 74-42. While the Lakers welcomed back LeBron James and Rui Hachimura from injury, it was clear that their chemistry and rhythm were far from game-ready.

Indeed, Chicago couldn’t miss. They shot a blistering 58.3% from the field and 46.3% from beyond the arc, with Coby White pouring in 36 points and Matas Buzelis adding 31. Josh Giddey notched a triple-double and was everywhere defensively, including recording eight steals.

For the Lakers, the game exposed a lack of cohesion on both ends. Defensively, they were disorganized and lethargic. Offensively, their passes were loose and their possessions disjointed. The Bulls took full advantage and turned a competitive first half into a runaway by the fourth quarter.

Despite the blowout, Doncic kept perspective, noting the bigger picture.

"I think we're in a great spot. Obviously, it wasn't a good game for us, but I think we're in a great spot. And we got to battle every game, you know, to try not to get in the play-in and try to get the highest seed we can." 

With 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers sit fourth in the West at 43-27—just half a game ahead of the fifth-place Grizzlies. With seeding implications looming large, the team doesn’t have much time to iron out its issues.

Still, Doncic remains optimistic, especially with the return of LeBron. 

"I mean, he's back, so it's going to be easier for everybody. He just makes the game easier for everybody around him. Obviously, the first game back for him and Rui. But we got to forget about this game and focus on the next one, which is going to be really hard."

Asked whether the team should move on or reflect, Luka offered a balanced view.

"I mean, the plan I really want to say is to go out there next game and show what we can do. Not forget—or forget about this game or learn from it."

"But in the game, you lose by one or you lose by 40, it's a loss. So it doesn't really matter how much you lose by, but we can't afford this game to push us back. We just got to look forward to it." 

The Lakers will have their next chance to bounce back on 24th March against the Orlando Magic. For Luka and company, the message is clear: clean up the turnovers, lock in on defense, and start building the chemistry that will define their postseason run.

Related: Instant Analysis: What Went Wrong For The Lakers In Stunning Loss To Bulls

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2025-03-23T17:23:11Z