Eastern Conference Recaps, March 26: The Chicago Bulls Spoiled LeBron James’ Return In The Victory Against Los Angeles Lakers

The Chicago Bulls spoiled LeBron James’ return.

Led by Zach LaVine’s 32 points, the Bulls grabbed a 118-108 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. DeMar DeRozan recorded 17 points and tied his season-high with 10 assists while Patrick Beverley had 10 points.

James came off the bench for just the second time in his career. The first time was on Dec. 11, 2007 when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He led the Lakers with 19 points and Anthony Davis had 15.

OTHER NOTES:

-The Dallas Mavericks’ playoff hopes have taken another hit after they were defeated 110-104 by the Charlotte Hornets. Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 22 points and P.J. Washington had 21 points and a season-high 12 assists.

Luka Doncic recorded 40 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks and Kyrie Irving had 18 points.

NEXT MAVERICKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 1 in Dallas

-Eight Orlando Magic players scored double-figure points to grab a 119-106 victory against the Brooklyn Nets. Cole Anthony led them with 21 points off the bench and Franz Wagner had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 44 points, the most he scored since Feb. 15.

NEXT MAVERICKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 9 at Miami

-O.G. Anunoby’s 29 points leads the Toronto Raptors to a 114-104 victory against the Washington Wizards. Fred VanVleet scored 28 points while Pascal Siakam had 19 points and 11 rebounds.

With Bradley Beal sidelined a third consecutive game due to a knee injury, Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 26 points.

NEXT WIZARDS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 7 in Washington

NEXT RAPTORS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 28 in Toronto

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.