Lakers vs Bulls

Chris Baker previews the Bulls vs. Lakers matchup on Sunday in the NBA and reveals which side he's betting.

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. The Lakers have a +10.6 net-rating with Russell on the floor this season. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. [spread](https://www.actionnetwork.com/education/point-spread) opened at Bulls +4.5 but moved down quickly. [BetMGM](https://www.actionnetwork.com/online-sports-betting/reviews/betmgm) and FanDuel were still posting +3.5 as of 10 a.m. I would avoid any bets on the Lakers until we learn more about Russell’s status. Caruso is cleared to play for this one after carrying a questionable designation heading into their Friday night game against the Blazers. One of my favorite storylines of the Bulls during their post-deadline stretch has been the emergence of the Patrick Beverley-Alex Caruso tandem. Expect Chicago to be prepared for this pivotal game. The Bulls have been elite when these two guys share the floor. Every game is massive for this team going forward, so don’t expect motivation to be an issue. Chicago has gone 9-5 since acquiring Patrick Beverley, ranking fifth in net-rating (+6.0), and third in defensive rating (111.4) over that 14-game stretch.

The Los Angeles Lakers need to shore up a defense that is allowing 116.64 points per contest before their game Sunday. Their homestand continues as they prepare ...

- Nov 21, 2017 - Los Angeles 103 vs. - Jan 15, 2019 - Los Angeles 107 vs. - Nov 05, 2019 - Los Angeles 118 vs. Los Angeles is the favorite in this one, with an expected 3.5-point margin of victory. Los Angeles was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap when the two teams previously met in December of 2021 as they fell 115-110 to Chicago. - Jan 08, 2021 - Los Angeles 117 vs. - Jan 23, 2021 - Los Angeles 101 vs. [NBA picks](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/picks/#ttag=SL19_lk_cbssports_nba_htw) for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Regional restrictions may apply.) The Los Angeles Lakers need to shore up a defense that is allowing 116.64 points per contest before their game Sunday. The game was all but wrapped up at the end of the third, by which point the Bulls had established a 94-72 advantage. The team accrued 74 points in the first half and coasted on those for the victory.

The Los Angeles Lakers go for their fourth straight win, hosting the Chicago Bulls with LeBron James returning and D'Angelo Russell out.

On the Bulls side, DeMar DeRozan missed the last game with a right quad straight but is good to go for this one. Reaves has really expanded his offensive game in recent weeks, taking on more ball-handling duties and getting to the free-throw line at will. He will need to bring that same intensity in this one, punishing the Bulls inside where they have struggled defensively. Davis is coming off one of his best games of the season with 37 points and 15 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The good news is that the Lakers are getting LeBron James back after missing four weeks with a foot injury. The Lakers have begun to find their groove as of late, finally getting to .500 for the first time all season at 37-37.

LeBron James has been upgraded to available and will come off the bench in the Los Angeles Lakers' Sunday afternoon matchup against the Chicago Bulls.

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LeBron James is back, and it couldn't come at a better time for the Lakers. James will play against the Bulls after missing 13 games with a foot injury.

The trip finishes with a de facto home game against the Clippers. After Sunday, the Lakers will begin a five-game road trip with a rematch against the Bulls in Chicago on Wednesday before facing the Timberwolves, Rockets and Jazz. James will be active for the Lakers’ game against the Bulls on Sunday afternoon after missing the previous 13 games with a foot injury.

LeBron James made his return from a right foot injury on Sunday, but the Los Angeles Lakers' three-game winning streak came to an end with a 118-108 defeat ...

[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/OKC/oklahoma-city-thunder/) got the Lakers to .500 for the first time this season. [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/) has kept the team afloat without James. Of course, getting to the postseason is one thing. The Lakers trailed by as many as 27 points in the game, but James played through the injury to help the Lakers complete the comeback. They went 8-5 without James, and after spending most of the season in the No. However, James was not part of the Lakers starting lineup.

Despite LeBron James' return to the court, the Lakers and their defense, came out flat against the Bulls.

For now, the Lakers have to get over this loss and get ready to face the Bulls again on Wednesday. The Lakers ultimately ended the half on a 17-4 run and trimmed the lead to just eight. The Bulls went on a 9-0 run to start the second quarter and led by as many as 20. Unfortunately, the Lakers couldn't carry their momentum into the third quarter as they came out lethargic and slow-footed on defense. Unfortunately, James’ return proved not enough as the Lakers ended their homestand on a low note, losing to the [Chicago Bulls](https://www.blogabull.com) 118-108. In his 30 minutes of action, James finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench.

Find out how to watch, live stream or TV channel and game time information for the March 26, 2023 matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago ...