The Los Angeles Lakers might have just suffered what could be their worst loss of the season. And their head coach, JJ Redick, isn’t here for any excuses.
Despite holding a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter and a five-point advantage with just 12 seconds left, the Lakers lost 119-117 to the Chicago Bulls.
It’s their second loss to the Bulls in a week, adding to their recent inconsistency as they fight for playoff positioning.
LA Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Reacts After Another Brutal Loss
After watching his team lose a game they were ideally supposed to win, Redick didn’t sugarcoat his feelings.
“We’re not in a position to feel sorry for ourselves,” he said postgame, making it clear that the Lakers have no time for self-pity with the postseason looming.
JJ Redick: "We're not in a position to feel sorry for ourselves"
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom)
The loss marked yet another frustrating chapter in the Lakers’ rollercoaster March run. Earlier this month, they went on an impressive eight-game winning streak, with LeBron James and Luka Dončić torching opponents.
But after James’ worrisome groin injury, the team lost their momentum.
Since then, the Lakers have been stuck in a cycle of short winning streaks followed by tough losing skids. They’ve now dropped six of their last 10 games, with only one win in their last four game —a buzzer-beating 120-119 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, March 26.
Lakers Collapse in Shocking Fashion
James returned from his injury in the previous game against the Bulls, putting on a disappointing performance, the team eventually losing their game. James scored 17 points, and 12 assists, along with 25 and 30 points each from Dončić and Austin Reaves respectively.
With 12 seconds left, they led 115-110, seemingly in control on the situation. Then, Patrick Williams drained a corner three, cutting the lead to two. On the inbound, LeBron made a soft pass that was stolen by Josh Giddey, who immediately found Coby White for a go-ahead three. With 3.3 seconds left, Austin Reaves drove to the rim and scored, putting the Lakers back in control.
But on the final play, nobody picked up Giddey, who dribbled past halfcourt and drained a cold-blooded buzzer-beater over LeBron, sending the United Center into chaos.
For a team that led by 16 in the fourth quarter, this was a brutal way to go down. The Lakers are still fourth in the West with a 44-29 record, but with the playoffs approaching, their inconsistency is becoming a serious concern, and HC Redick’s disappointment is justified.
The Lakers will be facing the Memphis Grizzlies next, making it a crucial juncture for the team.
