LeBron, Rui Hachimura Return, But Unfocused Lakers GET STOMPED BY BULLS 146-115.

The Lakers reached full health on Saturday, with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura each returning to the lineup after missing weeks of action. With a sub-.500 Chicago Bulls team visiting the Crypt, things looked good for a win heading into the road trip, which kicks off Monday in Orlando. Apparently the Lakers thought it was in the bag, too, because they came out with one of their worst efforts in the post-Luka trade era, and paid for it. Final score, 146-115. Defensively, the Lakers were a disaster more or less from the jump, failing to defend the 3-point line (which allowed Chicago, and especially Coby White, to find a serious groove), but also making it too easy to get to the basket. They were careless on the glass and with the ball (21 turnovers) which allowed Chicago to get out in the open floor and use their athleticism. Meanwhile, offensively the Lakers were stagnant. There wasn't much motion or ball movement, and even though Luka Dončić (34 points, 10/18 shooting) and Austin Reaves (25 points, 9/13 from the floor) were highly efficient, as a team the Lakers lacked any real energy on that half. 21 assists at home—well below their season average—isn't much to write home about. Nor did the bench contribute all that much. There was, on balance, very little to like. And given how tightly packed the Western Conference currently is, these sorts of games could prove quite costly when it comes to seeding. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.