Short-handed Lakers fall to Bucks
The Lakers, once again without 3 of their starters, lost their third straight game Thursday night as they fell to the Bucks by a score of 126-106. Here are some of the main takeaways from the Lakers’ 24th loss of the season.
Like wtf is this you’re 7 feet😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/UJcoIag9Ii https://t.co/UWBnaYbfGK
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 14, 2025
Defensive Struggles
The Lakers had problems all night containing the Bucks both in the paint and from the perimeter. In the first half, the notorious Laker killer Damian Lillard did the damage. He put up 15 points in the first 24 minutes of play, including 12 in the second quarter alone. Lillard finished with 22 and 10 assists to make it a double-double.
In the second half, it was all about the former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Without Jaxson Hayes or even LeBron James down low to try to protect the paint, the Greek Freak had a double digit third quarter effort as the Bucks built up a 20 point lead. Antetokounmpo finished an assist shy of a 24-point, 12-rebound triple-double.
The two Bucks superstars also created for their teammates, who took advantage. Former Laker Brook Lopez shot 8/9 from the field, Kevin Porter Jr. had a 22-point night, and Gary Trent Jr. also got into double figures. The Bucks, as a team, finished shooting 47% from the field and 43% from deep.
Luka went OFF in tonight’s loss in Milwaukee…
Gonna be tough to overcome all the injuries during this stretch, but GREAT to see Luka continue to look more and more comfortable 🙏 pic.twitter.com/7h29dGATwR
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 14, 2025
Luka Doncic’s High Caliber Scoring Night
One of the few bright spots for the Lakers was Luka Doncic getting back into form. Doncic had a season-high 29 points first-half points and would end with a season-high 45 points overall on 51% from the field and seven made threes.
If Doncic can continue to string together these types of performances and stay efficient, the Lakers can expect to become even better once LeBron James and company get healthy.
Up Next
The loss drops the Lakers to 40-24, and they are now tied with the Rockets for the 4 seed in the West. Los Angeles will be shorthanded again tomorrow night as they face yet another championship contender, the Denver Nuggets. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM in the Mile High City.
