The Los Angeles Lakers continue their road trip against the Chicago Bulls in a cross-conference matchup that highlights contrasting styles: L.A.’s star-driven offense versus Chicago’s gritty, defense-first approach. The Lakers, fresh off a mixed bag of results, aim to build on their strong record against Eastern teams, while the Bulls look to capitalize on home-court energy amid a season of inconsistency. With key injuries on both sides—particularly Austin Reaves’ absence for L.A.—expect a physical game focused on interior play and transition opportunities. The Bulls’ recent defensive stands could keep it close, but the Lakers’ depth might prevail in a potential low-scoring affair.
Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT local time)
Broadcast: Available on Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers), NBC Sports Chicago (Bulls), and NBA League Pass; radio on ESPN LA 710 (Lakers) and ESPN 1000 (Bulls)
Recent Team Forms
The Lakers have alternated wins and losses, while the Bulls show signs of improvement at home.
Los Angeles Lakers (Last 5 Games: 3-2):
Jan 23 vs. Indiana Pacers: L 118-128 – Defensive lapses allowed 50% shooting
Jan 22 vs. LA Clippers: W (details highlight strong rebounding edge).
Jan 20 at Dallas Mavericks: W (comeback fueled by LeBron’s triple-double).
Jan 19 vs. Golden State Warriors: L (poor three-point defense).
Jan 17 at Phoenix Suns: W 108-100 – Efficient offense overcame slow start.
Averaging 116.0 PPG scored and 112.4 allowed; 3-2 ATS, with overs in four of five due to high-volume shooting (48% FG average)
Chicago Bulls (Last 5 Games: 3-2):
Jan 24 vs. Washington Wizards: W 115-110 – Comeback win with strong bench play
Jan 22 vs. Orlando Magic: L 102-108 – Defensive issues persisted.
Jan 20 at Atlanta Hawks: W 112-105 – Balanced scoring.
Jan 18 vs. Memphis Grizzlies: W 100-115? (Win, low-scoring grind).
Jan 16 at New Orleans Pelicans: L 98-110 – Shooting woes.
Averaging 117.9 PPG scored and 119.7 allowed; 3-2 ATS at home, unders in three of five with improved defense (holding opponents to 110 in wins)
Injury Report and Suspensions
Los Angeles Lakers: Guard Austin Reaves is out with a left calf injury
No other major injuries reported; team managing veteran minutes
No suspensions. Expected starters: D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince.
Chicago Bulls: Forward Patrick Williams is probable with a right ankle sprain
Guard Josh Giddey is available after recent absence. Forward Noa Essengue is out with a left shoulder contusion
No suspensions. Expected starters: Coby White, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu.
Key Player Matchups
This game features star power in the frontcourt and guard battles.
LeBron James (Lakers F) vs. DeMar DeRozan (Bulls F): James’ all-around dominance (25+ PPG, 7+ APG) vs. DeRozan’s mid-range mastery – isolation scoring key.
Anthony Davis (Lakers C) vs. Nikola Vucevic (Bulls C): Davis’ two-way impact (24+ PPG, top-5 blocks) tests Vucevic’s spacing; rebounding duel.
D’Angelo Russell (Lakers G) vs. Coby White (Bulls G): Russell’s playmaking vs. White’s speed; three-point threats.
Rui Hachimura (Lakers F) vs. Patrick Williams (Bulls F): Hachimura’s scoring vs. Williams’ defense (if active); wing versatility.
Series History
The Lakers hold a strong historical edge, particularly in recent years. Overall Head-to-Head: Lakers lead 96-69 in 165 regular-season games. Recent Games: Lakers 4-6 in last 10, but won Dec 20, 2023 (124-108). Bulls 6-4 in last 10 overall. Trends: Games average 235.5 total points recently; Lakers 0-5 ATS as slight underdogs, Bulls 4-1 ATS in last 5
Betting Trends
Lakers: 0-5 ATS as underdogs of 0.5-4.5; over in 21 of 28 as favorites of 11+ (though not applicable here). Road games: 14-8 straight up, but 8-10 ATS. Bulls: 4-1 in last 5 games; 4-1 ATS against the spread. Home: 14-9, strong when scoring 115+. Series Trends: Over in 56.8% of Lakers games; Bulls 4-1 ATS vs. Lakers in recent matchups
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers – 1.5
Chicago Bulls 235.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 25, 2026
