Here is what you need to know before the Lakers complete their road back-to-back in Chicago against the Bulls.
1)
Just when the Lakers seemed to be getting healthier, another player suffers an injury. Julius Randle (hip pointer) returned from a three-game injury stead against the Pelicans on Tuesday, providing 12 points and 10 rebounds. However, Nick Young suffered a strained right calf muscle just two minutes into the contest and will be out for two to four weeks.
2)
The Lakers are looking to rebound from one of their most uncompetitive losses of the young season. The night before, the purple and gold had no answer for New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, who went off for 41 points and 16 rebounds, while the Lakers shot an icy 5-of-30 from 3-point range.
3)
The Lakers are facing the Bulls just 10 days after playing them at Staples Center. L.A. couldn’t handle the opposing team’s star in that game either, as Jimmy Butler finished with a season-high 40 points to lead Chicago to a 118-110 win.
4)
The Bulls have been rolling lately, winning six of their last eight games. They have done this through some textbook defense, as they have held opponents to only 95.8 points per game and the NBA’s second-worst field goal percentage (41.3) during this stretch.
5)
Butler has been a huge reason for Chicago’s recent success. Beginning with his huge night against the Lakers, he has averaged 33.7 points on 60.3 percent shooing over his last three games — the NBA’s third-highest scoring average in this span.
6)
Last time the Lakers took on the Bulls, they didn’t have to face Dwyane Wade, who was given the night off. That added rest seems to have done the 34-year-old some good, as he has also enjoyed a successful last three games, putting up 25.3 points per night on a 49.2 percent clip.
7)
Robin Lopez has been the Bulls’ most active defender, leading the NBA in contested shots (16.6). He has also provided a boost on the other end lately, scoring double figures in eight straight games, nearly averaging a double-double with 11.6 points and 9.4 rebounds.
8)
A pair of Lakers are returning to the city where they began their careers, as Metta World Peace and Luol Deng each debuted as Bulls. However, the only member of the team to capture a championship in Chicago was assistant coach Jud Buechler, who won three rings as a reserve during the Bulls’ second three-peat from 1996-98.
9)
Chicago has been one of the NBA’s best teams on the glass, ranking second in rebounding (49.1) while leading the NBA in offensive boards (13.8). This was one of the Bulls’ biggest advantages when they beat the Lakers earlier this month, winning the rebounding battle 56-37.
10)
This game is lopsided in terms of rest, as the Lakers played in New Orleans the night before while Chicago had the previous three days off. The Bulls certainly earned that downtime, as it came after a 10-day, six-game road trip.
Injury Report
Lakers: D’Angelo Russell (sore left knee) and Nick Young (strained right calf muscle) are out. Julius Randle (hip pointer) is probable. Ivica Zubac is on D-League assignment.
Bulls: Doug McDermott (concussion protocol), Michael Carter-Williams (left knee bone bruise and left wrist sprain) and Paul Zipser (lower back strain) are out.
Tip-off: 5 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW