The Los Angeles Lakers began a challenging three-game road trip on Wednesday night with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls.

For the first time this season, the Lakers were able to play at full strength thanks to their recovery from Gabe Vincent’s knee injury, but it was in vain as they lost by a score of 124-108.

LeBron James’ layup and point guard Coby White’s midrange jumper, who has been outstanding in Zach LaVine’s absence, gave the Lakers an early lead.

James scored a dunk and a three-pointer to start the game, giving the Lakers a 9–4 lead and forcing the Bulls to take a timeout.

After the half, White and Alex Caruso embarked on a 10-0 run that Anthony Davis eventually stopped, with both players making clutch three- and two-point shots. Chicago made a really good response.

Nevertheless, with the Lakers still cold and the Bulls hot, Chicago opened up a double-digit advantage.

Vincent came with just three minutes left in the first quarter, and he immediately set up a goal. Conversely, the Lakers had a difficult second quarter and were behind 33–22 at the break.

In the first half of the game on Wednesday night in Chicago, Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (right) blocks Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (left). An effusion (swelling joint) in Vincent’s left knee kept him out of commission for seven weeks. Pictured by Mike Reaves/Getty Images.

In the second quarter, the Bulls kept up their unrelenting offensive, and Javon Carter scored three straight three-pointers to increase the lead to fifteen points.

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With a 13-0 run that included threes from Prince and Cam Reddish, James gave the Lakers new life, but they were far from done.

Prince provided the Lakers with a much-needed offensive jolt by repeatedly making the Bulls pay for leaving him open at the 3-point line.

The Lakers’ Gabe Vincent (right) guards Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan (left) during the first half of their game on Wednesday night in Chicago. Vincent’s left knee effusion caused him to miss seven weeks of work. (Image courtesy of Getty Images, taken by Michael Reaves))

Chicago concluded the quarter well, leading 61-55 at the half after Los Angeles had increased their lead to two points.

In the third quarter, back-to-back baskets by Davis and James gave the Lakers the lead. However, the momentum was stopped as the Bulls took the lead when Davis injured his ankle and departed the game.

Despite making a number of thoughtless fouls, Rui Hachimura’s game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer put the Lakers within twelve points (90–78) going into the fourth quarter.

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Check out the starting lineup, injury report, and broadcast details for Wednesday’s Lakers vs. Bulls game.

Davis looked to be limited by the ankle injury, but he rallied early in the fourth quarter. The Bulls continued to make a lot of free throws from outside the arc, even though James and Reaves were scoring enough to keep the game close.

The bench for the Bulls made significant deep plays, while DeRozan, as usual, destroyed his home club with a flurry of midrange shots.

The Lakers suffered yet another heartbreaking loss because they were unable to overcome a double-digit deficit.