In a Monday night NBA matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers traveled to Chicago where they came out on top, winning 129-119 improving their overall record to 28-17.
The Lakers are 4-1 in their last five games and they seem to be finding their stride at the right time of the season. Guard Luka Doncic dropped an impressive team-high 46 points to lead all scorers in the game and forward LeBron James added 24, 20 of which he tallied in the first half. Although the Lakers were without their third star player guard Austin Reaves, Doncic has put this team on his back and the supporting cast is performing well. Despite being in his 23rd year, James has also been extremely dominant and when he and Luka are able to work together the Lakers can go a long way.
On the Bulls side, their young core has been performing well, as they are currently situated in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. Guard Coby White led the team with 23 points to go along with six assists and Josh Giddey adding 19 and Ayo Dosumo notched 20 off the bench respectively. The Bulls fought hard in this game, but it is always going to be difficult to win when Luka and Lebron combine for over 60 points.
Many Lakers fans know the capability and star power on their team, but where they have struggled the most is on the defensive side of the ball. Head Coach JJ Reddick has talked about this issue in many post game pressers, where he has placed emphasis on the importance of being good defensively. Although Doncic and James are extremely good offensively, Doncic has always been a lackluster defender throughout his career and James’s age is starting to show on that side of the ball as well. Center Deandre Ayton has also struggled this season because of his lack of hustle and scoring. If the Lakers can bring in an impactful center in free agency to go along with Ayton they have the capability to make a deep playoff run this season.
This was a hard fought game between both teams, but if the Lakers continue to play like they did last night they will be extremely hard to beat. Once Reaves returns from injury the team will benefit even more and if they are able to make a move in free agency to grab a center like many expect them to do, Los Angeles will be in a great spot. The Lakers continue their road trip with a game against Cleveland tomorrow which will be a much tougher test, but one they are capable of winning if they play like they did against Chicago.