USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) for a basket in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) for a basket in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers lost their last fixture against the San Antonio Spurs, which snapped their 4-game winning streak. However, before heading on a road trip, the purple and gold will take on Chicago Bulls at Staples Center in a back-to-back game. The game will begin on Friday at 10:00 PM ET, as the Lakers hope to register their seventh win of the season.
Last season, the Lakers were phenomenal during home games, but this year the story is not the same. Out of their five home games, LA lost three of them. However, they are still playing phenomenally in road games, which has helped them stay competitive in the first half of the season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls have had a bump start to their 2020-21 NBA season. They have placed all their hopes on their star guard Zach LaVine and will hope that he can carry them to a victory against Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers injury updates and predicted lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 28, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) and forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) react in the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Lakers 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In their battle against the Spurs, Alex Caruso returned after missing five games. However, their guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is still waiting to get a clearance from the medical team. As of now, he is expected to miss the matchup against the Bulls as well.
Luckily, both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are 100% healthy right now. So the expected lineup for the Lakers is Dennis Schroder (G), Kyle Kuzma (G), LeBron James (F), Anthony Davis (F), and Marc Gasol (C).
Chicago Bulls injury updates and predicted lineup
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2020; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) goes up for a basket over two Oklahoma City Thunder players during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Lately, the Bulls backcourt duo of Zach LaVine and Coby White have been putting on a show. Both players are carrying the team on their backs as the team is severely shorthanded right now. Lauri Markkanen and Tomas Satoransky will miss another game due to COVID-19 health protocols. Furthermore, Chandler Hutchison and Ryan Arcidiacono will be sidelined as well due to injuries.
Keeping the above mentioned injuries in mind, the Bulls should enter the floor with a lineup of Coby White (G), Zach LaVine (G), Patrick Williams (F), Otto Porter Jr. (F), and Wendell Carter Jr. (C).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Game prediction
Despite the Lakers losing their last game, they should be able to take care of business vs the Bulls. Unless the Bulls pull off an upset, there are no reasons why the purple and gold would throw away this home game.
