On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers were finally back at full capacity, as LeBron James rejoined the team after a seven-game absence due to a groin injury.
Nevertheless, James’s presence couldn’t prevent one of the Lakers’ most disappointing performances of the 2024-25 season, ending in a staggering 31-point loss to the Chicago Bulls with a score of 146–115.
This significant defeat at home to the Bulls did not sit well with Lakers enthusiasts, particularly former Lakers point guard and president of basketball operations Magic Johnson. At 65 years old, he expressed his discontent on X, previously known as Twitter, the following day.
“C’mon Lakers, where was the defense last night? There’s no way they should have allowed the Chicago Bulls to score 146 points, especially getting ready for the Playoffs!” Johnson commented.
C’mon Lakers, where was the defense last night? There’s no way they should have allowed the Chicago Bulls to score 145 points, especially getting ready for the Playoffs!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
March 23, 2025
Johnson was forthright in his critique of the team’s performance, highlighting his ongoing passion for the Lakers and his status as one of its most outspoken advocates, despite no longer being part of the management team.
The 146 points given up to the Bulls marked the highest the team had conceded all season, surpassing their previous worst of 136 points. During the game, James had a team-worst -27 plus/minus rating over 31 minutes, while Coby White and Matas Buzelis together racked up 67 points and made 11 three-pointers.
With the playoffs approaching, Johnson had hoped for a more resilient performance from the team, and he did not hide his frustration following their most severe defeat of the season.
Looking ahead, the Lakers aim to make a strong comeback in their next match on Monday night at the Kia Center against the Orlando Magic.
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Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.
