Luka Doncic didn't shy away from responsibility following the Los Angeles Lakers' crushing 146-115 defeat to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday — the team’s worst defensive performance of the season. Despite leading his squad with 34 points, the Slovenian star acknowledged his role in the loss.

📌 “That’s my fault. I can’t have seven turnovers — that’s too many for me,” Doncic admitted during the postgame press conference.
📌 “They scored a lot in transition, especially off my turnovers,” he added.

Doncic committed 7 of the Lakers’ 21 total turnovers, which fueled the Bulls’ offensive explosion. Offensively, however, he was efficient, going 10-for-18 from the field and 8-for-13 from three-point range, just one make shy of his personal best from beyond the arc. He also contributed 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

LeBron’s return overshadowed

📌 LeBron James returned after missing seven games with a groin injury, but struggled to make an impact, finishing with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 turnovers.
📌 The Lakers (43-27), currently fourth in the West, also welcomed back Rui Hachimura, but their overall defensive effort raised concerns.

Chicago (31-40) put together a historic offensive night, dominating in all facets:

• 74 points in the paint
• 30 fast break points
• 58.3% shooting from the field
• 46.3% from deep (19-for-41)

Standout performances from Chicago

• Coby White led the charge with 36 points and 6 three-pointers.
• Rookie sensation Matas Buzelis dropped 31 points with 5 threes.
• Nikola Vucevic added a double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds).
• Josh Giddey flirted with a rare quadruple-double, tallying 15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists, and 8 steals — a feat only four players have ever achieved in NBA history.

With seven wins in their last nine games, the Bulls are becoming a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers will need to tighten up defensively if they want to stay competitive in the West.