The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to host the Chicago Bulls this Saturday, and if you're eager to catch the action live, you're in the right place! After a grueling stretch of games, the Lakers are looking to get back on track with a much-needed win at home.
Lakers Coming Off a Tough Schedule
The Purple and Gold have been through the wringer lately, playing three sets of back-to-back games within just eight days. Out of those six matchups, they managed to win only three. Now, with a slightly less demanding schedule ahead, the Lakers have a golden opportunity to regain momentum—starting with their first showdown of the season against the Bulls.
At 43-26, the Lakers currently hold third place in the Western Conference but are trailing the second-place Houston Rockets by two full games. Securing the second seed would be a game-changer for them, as it would guarantee home-court advantage through at least the first two rounds of the playoffs. With the postseason around the corner, every game counts, and the Lakers know it.
The Bulls Are Fighting for Play-In Positioning
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls aren’t just showing up for the ride—they’re battling to improve their play-in tournament seeding. Sitting at 30-40 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, Chicago is 2.5 games behind the eighth-place Orlando Magic. The Bulls have been heating up recently, winning six of their last eight games, thanks in part to Coby White’s stellar performances. White has dropped three 30-point games and even had a jaw-dropping 44-point outing during this stretch.
The Bulls may not be in title contention this year, but they’re scrappy, young, and hungry. With White leading the charge and the rest of the squad fighting for every win, they could make things interesting for the Lakers.
Injury Updates: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Injuries could play a crucial role in Saturday's matchup, as both teams have key players dealing with setbacks.
Bulls Injury Report:
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Probable: Kevin Huerter (right thumb sprain)
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Questionable: Tre Jones (left midfoot sprain)
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Out: Lonzo Ball (left wrist sprain), Ayo Dosunmu (left shoulder surgery)
Lakers Injury Report:
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Probable: Luka Dončić (right ankle sprain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management), Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain), Jarred Vanderbilt (right groin strain)
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Questionable: Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy), LeBron James (left groin strain), Gabe Vincent (left knee injury management)
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Out: Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery)
Projected Starting Lineups
If no last-minute changes occur, here’s how both teams could line up based on their previous game:
Chicago Bulls:
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G: Tre Jones
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G: Coby White
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C: Nikola Vucevic
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F: Kevin Huerter
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F: Matas Buzelis
Los Angeles Lakers:
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G: Gabe Vincent
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G: Jordan Goodwin
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C: Jaxson Hayes
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F: Dalton Knecht
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F: Markieff Morris
Lakers vs Bulls: Prediction and Betting Odds
So, who takes this one? Whether LeBron James plays or not, the Lakers should have the edge over the younger Bulls squad. The Lakers’ depth and offensive firepower will likely be too much for Chicago to handle.
Prediction: Lakers 118, Bulls 112
Betting Odds (via BetMGM):
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Spread: Bulls -9.5
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Over/Under: 233.5
How to Watch the Lakers vs Bulls Game Live
If you’re ready to tune in, here’s everything you need to know:
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TV Channel: Spectrum SportsNet
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Start Time: 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time
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Live Stream: Watch on Fubo (free trial available)
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers are entering a crucial stretch in their season, and every game is a must-win. Here’s a look at their upcoming schedule:
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March 22: vs. Chicago Bulls
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March 24: at Orlando Magic
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March 26: at Indiana Pacers
As the regular season winds down, the Lakers need to stack up wins to improve their playoff positioning. Will they step up and make a statement against the Bulls? We’ll find out soon!
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