The Los Angeles Lakers played host to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, with the Lakers looking to bounce back after their loss to the San Antonio Spurs. With LeBron James returning to the lineup, the Lakers were definitely trending upward.

However, the Lakers' struggles continued, shooting 43% from the field and converting just 8-of-14 from the line as the Bucks stole the game in LA 105-101. LeBron played strongly in his return from a one-game absence, scoring 26 points and coming one rebound shy of a triple-double. However, LeBron was one of the few bright spots for the Lakers.

On the surface, Luka Doncic's numbers don't seem that bad. He had 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists while having three turnovers, which is less than his season average. However, when you factor in the 8-of-25 shooting and six fouls, his day looks a little bit worse.

After the game, Doncic was blunt with a seven-word message to reporters on his performance.

"It was a terrible day for me," Doncic said.

Even though Doncic has been one of the best players in the NBA ever since he stepped foot in the league, he's going to have bad games every once in a while. Given that Doncic played poorly, and the Lakers only lost by four is a good sign, but that doesn't mean the rest of the team played well.

After a stellar start to the season, Deandre Ayton has continued to disappoint as of late, finishing the game with four points and five rebounds. Ayton has gone from putting up 20-point double-doubles earlier this season to looking like a shell of himself now.

Head coach JJ Redick was visibly frustrated after the team's last three-game losing streak, and that could very well be in the cards for the Lakers after consecutive losses. However, their next opponent will be the Sacramento Kings, coming off a 34-point loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Even though the Lakers should be able to take care of business, beating the Kings doesn't allow this team to overlook its holes and weaknesses. The trade deadline is less than a month away, and this front office and coaching staff need to work together to bring in some new players and part ways with those who aren't playing the part.

Their early-season success might have them sitting among the top six seeds in the Western Conference now, but a few more losses will put the Lakers in a rough spot.