Lakers lose to Bulls in short-handed battle.
After snapping a three-game win streak in Friday's matchup against the Timberwolves, the Lakers fell for the second straight game, losing in a close back and forth battle to the Chicago Bulls, falling 115–110 to drop their season record to 16–15.
Tonight's game included a new scenario affecting the NBA right now, with both teams missing numerous players to the COVID protocol. The Lakers were without head coach Frank Vogel, as assistant coach David Fizdale took over in his role.
In tonight's defeat for the purple and gold, LeBron James was the team-leading scorer in tonight's defeat, scoring 31 points (11 for 21) on 52% overall from the field, adding 14 rebounds and 6 assists in 39 minutes of action.
Carmelo Anthony was the Lakers' second-leading scorer, finishing with 21 points on 41% (7 for 17) shooting from the field, adding 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 29 minutes off the bench.
In a close defeat, Russell Westbrook had a strong outing for the Lakers, scoring 20 points on 47% shooting, adding 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and a pair of blocks in 38 minutes.
After tonight's loss, Westbrook remarked about being optimistic and adjusting to the circumstances, which included the club missing numerous players due to COVID procedure, saying: "Sometimes you can play well and still lose games."
After missing the first 31 games of the season rehabbing from an ankle injury, Trevor Ariza made his season debut in his second stint with the Lakers, scoring just three points on one attempt in 15 minutes of action.
After the game, Ariza spoke on his first game back, saying: "I felt pretty good. Unfortunately, we didn't win. But I felt like we got better today."
The Lakers will return home for their next matchup against the 24–5 Phoenix Suns on Monday as they look to stay above .500 on the season.