The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a crushing defeat against the Chicago Bulls, losing 146-115. LeBron James made his comeback, scoring 17 points, securing six rebounds, and delivering four assists. His stats were modest, but fans were glad to see him back. The Lakers are now focusing on the playoffs.
In other news, Anthony Davis, a former Lakers star, is close to returning to the court with the Dallas Mavericks. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Davis should rejoin the team during their upcoming Eastern Conference road trip.
Dallas could see him back in action as early as April 9, when they host the Lakers, according to reports.
REPORT: Anthony Davis could return during the Mavs’ upcoming 4-game road trip, per @TheSteinLine.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 22, 2025
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Meanwhile, Luka Doncic, now a Laker following the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade, is drawing some lofty comparisons. Doncic’s slick moves electrified fans at Crypto.com Arena. NBA analyst Bill Simmons noted on his podcast that Doncic’s play echoed the thrill Kobe Bryant once brought.
“The only other time I felt it at a Laker game like that was when Kobe was playing,” Simmons said.
Luka has won over Los Angeles fans. His jerseys sell out fast. His performances thrill the crowd. If he can stay healthy and lead the Lakers to a title, Doncic’s legacy could rival the franchise’s greats.
Luka Doncic and Thierry Henry exchanging jerseys
Luka Doncic and Thierry Henry exchanged jerseys after a game in Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena. The swap happened post-match. Doncic, the Lakers’ new basketball star, gave his Mavericks jersey to Henry, a French football icon. In return, Henry gave Doncic a classic Arsenal shirt as a gift.
Doncic, a Slovenian basketball star, first gained attention playing for Real Madrid. He entered the NBA in 2018 when the Atlanta Hawks selected him third overall in the draft. That same night, they traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. He’s since racked up five All-Star nods and took the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis to Dallas in February, snagging Luka Doncic in a stunning three-team deal. Even with Doncic’s skills, the Lakers lost to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Now, they gear up to play the Orlando Magic next.
“That’s my fault. I can’t have seven turnovers – that’s too many for me,” Doncic said. “They scored a lot in transition, especially off my turnovers.”
Doncic dazzled, even as the Lakers stumbled. Their point guard mishandled the ball repeatedly, triggering seven of the team’s 21 turnovers. Those mistakes fueled the Bulls’ scoring run.
Still, Luka Doncic powered through. He sank 10 of 18 field goals and 8 of 13 three-pointers – nearly matching his personal best. Doncic also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six assists, capping a strong night.
READ: When LeBron James Stared at Michael Jordan Before a Fast-Break Dunk
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
