Lakers vs Chicago Bulls Preview and Prediction: Short-Handed Lakers Aim To Stop Butler
By John Hills
Down two starters, the Los Angeles Lakers will look to split the season series with the Chicago Bulls, after a nail-biting 2-point just 10 days ago.
When the Lakers last saw the Bulls at Staples Center on November 20th, Luke Walton had his team playing confident basketball and turning heads in the NBA with their stellar play. However, after just 10 days, a tough five game stretch, and injuries to D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young, the morale in the Lakers locker room has been taken down a few notches. Shorthanded or not, they will look to bounce back after last night’s ugly loss with a win in Chicago.
On the opposing side, Fred Hoiberg’s team has shown flashes of great play, but struggled with consistency at times. This is likely a product of the many new additions to their roster including Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, and Robin Lopez. Their chemistry may still need to be improved, but combining them with the always-impressive Jimmy Butler gives them a solid chance to win on a nightly basis.
For L.A., making it out of this game without another injured starter may be a small goal to shoot for. Already down their starting back-court and with Julius Randle still a little banged up, health will be key for the Lakers in the coming weeks. When they have a full roster, they are a tough group for any NBA team to deal with. However, staying healthy is proving difficult so far for the young Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
Date: Wednesday, November 30
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Chicago, IL
Arena: United Center
TV Info: Spectrum Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell – Knee (Out), Nick Young – Calf (Out)
Chicago Bulls: Doug McDermott – Concussion (Out), Dwyane Wade – Tooth (Probable)
Prediction
LA gives it a good effort, but don’t have enough firepower to keep up with the Bulls, without Young and Russell.
Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams will both be leaned on to take and make more shots. They are more than capable of doing so at times, but I don’t think there will be enough scoring to keep up with Butler and Co. Speaking of Butler, the Lakers defense struggled to contain him in their last contest and got burned for 40 points. Unfortunately, we might see something close to that again tonight.