“Where Was the Defense?”: Magic Johnson Calls Out Lakers After Crushing Loss to Bulls Despite LeBron’s Return

The Los Angeles Lakers, a team historically synonymous with greatness, found themselves in an all-too-familiar spot on Sunday night—struggling to keep up with a team they were expected to compete against. The Chicago Bulls stormed into Crypto.com Arena and handed the Lakers a painful 124-108 loss, marking another disappointing chapter in what has been an up-and-down season.

The loss was particularly frustrating because it coincided with the much-anticipated return of LeBron James, who had been sidelined for several games due to an ankle injury. The 39-year-old superstar, despite being less than 100% fit, managed to put up 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in 36 minutes of play. However, his presence alone wasn’t enough to salvage a game where the Lakers’ biggest flaw was glaringly exposed—defense.

NBA legend and Lakers icon Magic Johnson didn’t hold back in his criticism. Known for his passionate takes on the team he once led to glory, Johnson took to social media to call out the Lakers’ lackluster defensive effort, bluntly asking, “Where was the defense?” His frustration was shared by Lakers fans, who watched their team get outplayed in nearly every aspect of the game.

A Troubling Trend: Lakers’ Inconsistent Defense

Defense has been a recurring issue for the Lakers this season. While they have shown flashes of brilliance on the defensive end, those moments have been inconsistent at best. Against the Bulls, their inability to contain Chicago’s offensive threats proved costly.

Coby White had a field day, dropping 28 points while dishing out 7 assists, repeatedly slicing through the Lakers’ defense with ease. DeMar DeRozan, known for his mid-range prowess, added 24 points, while Nikola Vucevic dominated inside with 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Bulls shot an efficient 52.6% from the field and knocked down 14 three-pointers, exposing the Lakers’ lack of defensive discipline and urgency.

The Lakers, on the other hand, struggled to match that energy. Anthony Davis, one of the league’s best defenders, had an uncharacteristically quiet night, finishing with 20 points and 9 rebounds but failing to impose his usual defensive dominance. Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves were frequently caught out of position, allowing the Bulls to generate open looks throughout the game.

LeBron’s Return Wasn’t Enough

LeBron James’ return was supposed to be a boost for the Lakers, but instead, it highlighted how much work they still have to do. The four-time NBA champion played well individually, but basketball is a team sport, and the Lakers’ supporting cast failed to step up.

One of the most glaring issues was their lack of effort in transition defense. The Bulls repeatedly pushed the pace, capitalizing on the Lakers’ slow reaction times and poor communication. Chicago outscored Los Angeles 21-7 in fast-break points, a margin that made all the difference in a game where momentum was crucial.

LeBron himself seemed frustrated post-game, acknowledging that while his return was a step in the right direction, the team needed to be much better collectively. “We just weren’t locked in defensively,” he admitted. “We gave them too many easy looks, and when a team gets comfortable, it’s hard to stop them.”

Magic Johnson’s Harsh but Honest Critique

Magic Johnson has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, especially when it comes to the Lakers. The Hall of Famer, who has won five championships with the franchise and briefly served as the team’s president of basketball operations, has been vocal about the team’s shortcomings this season.

Following the loss, Johnson took to Twitter to express his disappointment, writing:

“Where was the defense? The Lakers can’t expect to win games if they don’t play with energy and effort on the defensive end. LeBron came back and played well, but the rest of the team needs to step up. Championship teams don’t play defense like this.”

His criticism was echoed by Lakers fans and analysts alike, who have grown frustrated with the team’s defensive lapses. The Lakers have the talent to compete at a high level, but without a commitment to defense, they will continue to struggle against even mid-tier opponents like the Bulls.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The Lakers now find themselves in a precarious position as the playoff race heats up. With a record hovering around .500, they need to string together wins to solidify their spot in the postseason. However, that won’t happen unless they address their defensive issues immediately.

Coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We have to be better defensively. It’s not just about effort—it’s about discipline, communication, and playing with a sense of urgency. We didn’t do that tonight, and it cost us.”

The Lakers’ upcoming schedule doesn’t get any easier. They face a tough stretch against teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings—all of whom have potent offenses. If the Lakers fail to tighten up their defense, they risk slipping further in the standings and potentially missing out on the playoffs altogether.

Can the Lakers Fix Their Defense in Time?

There is no question that the Lakers have the personnel to be a solid defensive team. Anthony Davis, when locked in, is one of the best rim protectors in the league. Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been dealing with injuries, is an elite perimeter defender. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell have shown flashes of defensive capability but need to be more consistent.

The bigger issue seems to be effort and focus. Too often, the Lakers have relied on their offense to carry them, rather than setting the tone with their defense. That’s not a sustainable formula for success, especially in a loaded Western Conference.

One possible solution is a lineup adjustment. Darvin Ham may need to experiment with different rotations to find a combination that can bring more defensive intensity. Vanderbilt’s return could help, as his ability to guard multiple positions gives the Lakers more versatility. Additionally, Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish could see increased minutes if they prove to be more reliable defensively than some of the current starters.

Final Thoughts: Urgency is Key

The Lakers’ loss to the Bulls was more than just another bad night—it was a wake-up call. If they truly aspire to make a deep playoff run, they must commit to playing elite defense night in and night out. Talent alone won’t be enough.

Magic Johnson’s criticism, while harsh, was justified. The Lakers can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes, especially when they have a player like LeBron James still performing at a high level. The clock is ticking, and unless they address their defensive woes, their season could end in disappointment.

With key matchups ahead, the Lakers must respond with urgency. Their destiny is still in their hands, but the question remains: Will they rise to the challenge, or will defensive inconsistency continue to be their Achilles’ heel?