Here's what you need to know about the Chicago Bulls facing the Los Angeles Lakers at home.
Still buzzing from Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement and Kevin Huerter’s clutch game-winner against Boston? You aren't alone. But the Bulls (23-22) must shift focus quickly as they host the Los Angeles Lakers (27-17) tonight at the United Center, looking to extend their winning streak to five.
Chicago has finally climbed above the .500 mark, fueled by a stocking-up Coby White (23.8 PPG over his last four) and a cardiac bench unit that ranks 3rd in the league in scoring (44.4 PPG). The Bulls’ identity is crystallizing around a high-octane transition game, currently ranking 4th in the NBA with 18.0 fastbreak points per game.
The Bulls' defense will be tested by an elevated Lakers squad. Currently sitting 5th in the Western Conference, the Lakers arrive with an identical 15-9 road record and plenty of star power. Luka Doncic continues his MVP-caliber campaign (33.4 PPG, 8.7 APG), while LeBron James remains the ultimate floor general. Beyond the dominant forces, the Lakers thrive with Jake LaRavia and DeAndre Ayton. They rely heavily on high pick-and-roll sets to create mismatches, forcing defenses to choose between collapsing on Ayton’s gravity or leaving Luka anchoring his isolation.
While their offense lies in a top-10 tier, the Lakers have struggled with defensive consistency, ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive rating (25th) when their primary stars share the floor. If Chicago can capitalize on its offensive dynamics with a faster pace, it may find opportunities to build up momentum before their defense can set in.
How to Watch
Chicago Bulls (23-22) vs. LA Lakers (27-17)
Location: United Center | Chicago, IL
Tipoff: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), Spectrum SportsNet | Announcers: Adam Amin, Stacey King
Radio: WSCR AM 670 | Announcers: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington
Betting Odds (FanDuel)
Betting Line: Lakers -1.5
Moneyline: Lakers -118, Bulls +100
Over/Under: 234.5
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Injury Report
Chicago Bulls
- Noa Essengue: Out for Season (Left Shoulder)
- Zach Collins: Out (Right Big Toe)
- Tre Jones: Out (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Yuki Kawamura: Out (G League/Two-Way)
- Emanuel Miller: Out (G League/Two-Way)
LA Lakers
- Austin Reaves: Out (Left Calf Strain)
- Adou Thiero: Out (Right MCL Sprain)
Last Game Starters
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics (Jan. 24)
- G Coby White
- G Isaac Okoro
- F Matas Buzelis
- F Jalen Smith
- C Nikola Vucevic
LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks (Jan. 24)
- G Luka Doncic
- G Marcus Smart
- F Jake LaRavia
- F LeBron James
- C Deandre Ayton