The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Monday, January 26, with tip-off set for 8:00 PM ET. Los Angeles enters with a 27-17 record, including 15-9 on the road, while Chicago holds a 23-22 mark, posting 15-9 at home.
The Lakers are coming off a 116-110 victory over the Mavericks, snapping a one-game losing streak, while the Bulls ride a four-game winning streak after beating Boston 114-111 and Minnesota 120-115. The two teams have not met this season.
Los Angeles faces notable absences. Austin Reaves misses the game with a left calf strain, Jake LaRavia is questionable due to a left quad contusion, and Adou Thiero is out with a right MCL sprain.
Chicago will be without Zach Collins (right first toe sprain) and Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery), while Tre Jones is doubtful with a left hamstring strain. G League two-way players Yuki Kawamura and Emanuel Miller also sit out.
Luka Doncic leads the Lakers with 33.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, supported by LeBron James at 22.3 points and 6.9 rebounds. Deandre Ayton provides 13.6 points and 8.7 rebounds, while Marcus Smart adds 10.1 points and 3.1 assists. Reaves’ absence shifts more responsibility to the core trio.
Chicago relies on Josh Giddey’s 18.8 points and 8.8 assists, alongside Nikola Vucevic’s 16.8 points and 9.1 rebounds. Coby White averages 18.8 points, Matas Buzelis 14.9, and Ayo Dosunmu 14.3 points. Tre Jones’ doubtful status leaves a gap at point guard, potentially altering the Bulls’ rotation.
