The Los Angeles Lakers host the Chicago Bulls in the final game of a five-game homestand for the purple and gold. This game is more than just a normal Monday night matchup as Alex Caruso is making his return to Staples Center as well as former Laker, Lonzo Ball.
This game is going to serve as a reminder that the Lakers could have essentially been a better version of the Bulls this season if they approached the offseason differently and did not trade for Russell Westbrook.
However, at the end of the day, the Lakers have to lay in the bed that they made themselves.
The Bulls have enjoyed a solid start to the 2021-22 season with a 9-4 record and some key wins over tough opponents. The Lakers, meanwhile, have been a bit disappointing with a 8-6 record and some ugly losses to bad opponents.
Sure, the records are not all that different, but the Lakers have had an easy schedule thus far and have not made the most of it. With LeBron James still out of action, the Lakers should not be favored in this game and Vegas agrees.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Bulls betting odds, spread, over/under:
According to WynnBET, the Los Angeles Lakers are one-point underdogs at home against the Bulls. The Lakers are -105 on the moneyline while the Bulls are -115. The over/under for the game is set at 216.5. This is about as close to a pick-em as you can have.
Both teams are playing in a back-to-back in the Staples Center as the Lakers beat the Spurs yesterday afternoon while the Bulls beat the Clippers last night.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Bulls prediction:
As much as I like the Lakers and want to see them win I just do not see them coming away with a W in this game. The Bulls have played really good basketball this season and while the records are close I think they are the better team right now, especially with LeBron James still out.
The Bulls are a team that already knows its identity and what it wants to be this season. The Lakers are still figuring that out as they continue to welcome previously injured players back into the fold.
There is also an Alex Caruso revenge game narrative after the Lakers simply let him walk when he tried to let them re-sign him. I’m taking Bulls -1 and under 216.5 points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Bulls TV channel:
Even though this is a pretty intriguing matchup between two of the biggest teams in the league, this game is not nationally televised and can be watched on Spectrum SportsNet in the LA market.
Los Angeles Lakers schedule and upcoming games:
After a five-game homestand, the Lakers will enter the longest road trip of the year, starting the five-game slate against the defending NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
The Lakers then take on the Celtics and Pistons before having a back-to-back against the Kings and Pacers to wrap up the road trip.