The Los Angeles Lakers travel to the Windy City tonight to face the Chicago Bulls at 8:00 PM ET in a matchup that blends star power, momentum, and a real test of depth. The Lakers are 27-17 and fresh off a 116-110 win over the Mavericks, while the Bulls sit at 23-22 and have quietly strung together a four-game win streak, including tight 114-111 and 120-115 victories. It’s the first meeting between these teams this season, and both sides enter with key injuries shaping the chessboard.

Lakers vs Bulls Preview: Form, Stakes, and Style

Los Angeles has leaned on the pairing of Luka Doncic and LeBron James to steer them through the grind. The Bulls are winning with balance, late-game poise, and the steady play of veterans around rising wing Matas Buzelis. This is a classic contrast: the Lakers’ star-heavy creation versus the Bulls’ spread scoring and sturdy frontcourt.

There’s also recent history to consider. While the Lakers own a strong all-time edge (96 regular-season wins to 69 over Chicago), the Bulls have had the upper hand lately, going 3-1 in the last four meetings over the past three seasons. That trend gives Chicago confidence, especially at home.

“If LeBron is the hub and Luka gets hot, can Chicago keep up without Tre?”

Injury Report for Jan 26: Who’s In, Who’s Out

As one report put it, “Let’s dive into the full Lakers vs. Bulls injury report for Monday, January 26, via NBA.com.” Here’s the snapshot that matters for tonight:

• Lakers: Austin Reaves (calf) is OUT. Adou Thiero (knee/MCL sprain) is OUT. Jake LaRavia (quadriceps contusion/illness) is listed as questionable/available.
• Bulls: Tre Jones (hamstring) is OUT. Zach Collins (toe) is OUT. Noa Essengue (shoulder surgery) is OUT for the season.

Reaves’ absence removes a reliable secondary playmaker and spacer for L.A., which puts more on Marcus Smart and the forwards to keep the ball popping. For Chicago, the loss of Tre Jones stings in the ball-handling and tempo stakes. Expect more on-ball touches for Coby White.

Projected Starting Lineups and Rotation Notes

Both Luka Doncic and LeBron James are expected to play. Here are the predicted starters:

• Lakers: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton.
• Bulls: Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Nikola Vucevic.

For L.A., a healthy LaRavia would fortify the wing rotation and add cutting and size. For Chicago, Isaac Okoro and Jalen Smith offer defense and energy, while Vucevic anchors the half-court.

“Vucevic vs Ayton is the swing — the glass might decide this game.”

Star Power Check: Luka and LeBron vs Chicago’s Balance

Doncic is posting 28.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, and he controls pace in a way few players can. LeBron adds 23.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists — still a force attacking lanes and triggering shooters. Jake LaRavia has chipped in a useful 10.8 points and 5.0 rebounds, giving the Lakers another functional piece around the two stars.

Chicago brings a different kind of threat. Nikola Vucevic leads with 18.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists — a skilled post hub who can pass. Matas Buzelis (16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds) stretches defenses with length and confidence on the wing. Ayo Dosunmu adds 12.8 points, and even with Tre Jones out (11.7 points, 6.5 assists), the Bulls spread touches well and trust their ball movement.

One note from earlier in the season: the Lakers’ early sample showed them at 2-1 with 121.3 points for and 116.3 against; the Bulls opened 2-0 at 112.5 for and 104.5 against. Those snapshots hint at L.A.’s offensive punch and Chicago’s defensive focus, even if both teams have evolved as the season has unfolded.

Head-to-Head: History vs Recent Results

The Lakers lead the all-time regular season series 96-69 across 165 meetings. That’s a long arc in purple and gold. But zoom in, and the picture shifts: the Bulls are 3-1 against the Lakers over the last three seasons, including 2025-26. Chicago has found answers lately, often by slowing the game, protecting the ball, and squeezing late possessions.

“Buzelis vs LeBron is the matchup I didn’t know I needed.”

Keys to the Game: What Will Decide It

• Tempo and control: With Tre Jones out, the Bulls must be clean in the backcourt. If Coby White handles pressure and Chicago avoids live-ball turnovers, they can keep this close. If the Lakers turn stops into early offense, it tilts toward L.A.
• Frontcourt battle: Vucevic’s touch and passing vs Ayton’s size and rim running is a key swing area. Second-chance points could be the difference in a tight finish.
• Wing duel: LeBron’s physicality against Buzelis’ length is a marquee watch. If Buzelis holds up and forces jumpers, Chicago’s defense can stay balanced. If LeBron gets downhill, help will open threes for L.A.
• Supporting cast shooting: With Reaves out, the Lakers need spacing from Hachimura and Smart. For Chicago, Ayo Dosunmu’s catch-and-shoot rhythm matters, especially with Jones sidelined.
• Late-game poise: The Bulls’ recent four-game streak includes narrow wins (114-111, 120-115). They’ve been comfortable in clutch time. The Lakers have Doncic, an elite closer who manipulates switches and draws fouls. The final two minutes could come down to one disciplined defensive stand.

What It Means Tonight

For the Lakers, this is a chance to bank a quality road win and keep momentum after the Dallas result. For the Bulls, it’s about extending a hot stretch, proving recent head-to-head success was no fluke, and doing it shorthanded in the backcourt.

Even with injuries, there’s star wattage and intriguing matchups everywhere. Luka and LeBron set the stage. Vucevic and Ayton fight for control of the lane. Buzelis’ growth meets the LeBron test. And with tip at 8:00 PM ET, the first blow in this year’s Lakers-Bulls series is about to land.

Bottom line: if the Lakers’ stars dictate pace and the glass tilts their way, L.A. should fancy its chances. If Chicago’s balance and late-game calm hold up, the United Center could keep the streak alive.