LeBron James returns from groin injury but Lakers suffer a huge loss against the Bulls

Los Angeles Lakers returned to their full strength as LeBron James and Rui Hachimura made a comeback to the starting five. But, the Lakers suffered a 146-115 blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

The Lakers were not at their best with ball protection and had a poor defense outing. James was returning to the team after almost two weeks after suffering a left groin injury. Hachimura, on the other hand, missed a month of action because of tendinopathy in his left knee.

James said they have the control in their hands for the postseason and must play at their best.

“We got 12 games to position ourselves in the postseason,” James said after posting 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 5 turnovers against the Bulls. “We pretty much can control our own destiny if we win ballgames and not have to be in the play-in.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick said that the aim for his team is claiming the No. 6 seed or better and thus they would have one week rest between the end of regular season and start of postseason.

“I think that’s a good way to look at it. … ground zero,” Redick said. “These next 12 games, you’ve got to refind your way. It’s a perpetually flowing river that we’ve all of a sudden run into a beaver’s [dam] … and we got to get ready to get the water flowing again.”

Hachimura admitted their defense was awful against the Bulls and they must pull up their socks.

“I think our key is going to be the defense,” Hachimura said. “Our defense was awful today. We weren’t locked into our game plans and everything. We didn’t execute. They were getting everything — 3s, transition, layups, pick-and-roll, whatever. So we just got to, I think, focus on defense.”

The Lakers will next take on the Orlando Magic on Monday.