The Los Angeles Lakers are back in action on Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls as they wrap up this five-game homestand. Thankfully, Rui Hachimura and LeBron James are making their return to the lineup after extensive absences.
After a daunting six games in eight nights, L.A. came out with a 3-3 record and that felt like a massive win, especially with injuries mounting and head coach JJ Redick having to rest players to keep them fresh.
Now, the Lakers take on a rebuilding Bulls team that is playing well as of late as they are 6-4 in their last 10 games. Chicago last took on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday and won 128-116 with Coby White dropping 35 points, so this will not be a cakewalk for L.A.
The Bulls are not shy about putting up 3-pointers and making sure they do not find success from distance may be the key to victory for the Lakers. L.A.’s defense needs to set the tone and let that dictate their offense.
Notable names for the Bulls include Nikola Vucevic, Josh Giddey, White and Kevin Huerter as they take the lion’s share of the shot attempts. Giddey in particular has been on triple-double watch as of late as he is in the midst of his best stretch of the season.
Perimeter play is vital to the Bulls’ success, so making sure that White and Giddey do not get going is key.
Exploiting Chicago’s lack of size, especially on the perimeter should be something that Redick explores. By getting Hachimura and James back, the Lakers will be able to apply much-needed rim pressure.
After missing almost all of their rotation in the last game against the Milwaukee Bucks, everyone is back so this is the closest the Lakers have been to full strength basically all year.
Luka Doncic will still have the ball in his hands though and loves getting going in the first quarter, especially when he has a smaller guard on him to begin this game. So, expect more blitzing or double teams from the Bulls to get the ball out of Doncic’s hands.
However, the Lakers have been playing well out of the doubles as it has presented plenty of open shots for role players. With James, Hachimura and Austin Reaves back, the Lakers have all of the firepower they need to be one of the top offenses in the league.
L.A. tends to handle business against teams below .500 and they must do so now with their difficult remaining schedule. As they try to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs, picking up a win over Chicago is a must.
Chicago Bulls (30-40) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-26)
7:30 p.m. PT, Saturday, March 22, 2025
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA
Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Jaxson Hayes
Key Reserves: Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Jordan Goodwin, Jarred Vanderbilt
Projected Bulls Starting Lineup:
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Coby White
SF: Kevin Huerter
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Nikola Vucevic
Key Reserves: Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips, Zach Collins
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