CHICAGO – DeMar DeRozan’s impressive performance, featuring 27 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, led the Chicago Bulls to a convincing 124-108 victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
The Bulls showcased exceptional shooting, hitting 54.5% from the field, with eight players scoring in double figures. Coby White contributed 17 points, and Ayo Dosunmu added 14 points off the bench. Nikola Vucevic notched his 16th double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
DeRozan reflected on the Bulls’ early-season struggles, emphasizing how adversity can build stronger team unity. “The best relationships come out of that,” he said.
Despite missing All-Star guard Zach LaVine due to right foot inflammation and forward Torrey Craig with a right plantar fascia injury, the Bulls kicked off their six-game homestand with their third win in four games. Coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the impact of LaVine’s absence, expressing optimism for his return.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Anthony Davis, playing in his hometown, added 19 points and 14 rebounds. However, the Lakers’ struggles continued, having lost four of their last five games since winning the NBA In-Season Tournament.
The Lakers faced an 18-point deficit early in the second quarter but managed to reduce the Bulls’ lead to two points in the third quarter. Despite this effort, they couldn’t surpass Chicago’s performance. Davis expressed the team’s frustration and the need to find solutions within the locker room.
The Bulls have excelled in perimeter shooting in LaVine’s absence. They hit 18 of 34 3-point attempts against the Lakers and have been averaging over 14 3-pointers per game in their last ten contests. Coby White highlighted the team’s faster play as a key factor in their improved shooting.
Chicago’s strong outside shooting was evident early in the game, establishing a 48-30 lead in the second quarter. Alex Caruso was among the standout performers, scoring 15 points, including three 3-pointers.
The Bulls maintained their lead throughout, never trailing after the first two minutes of the first quarter. A corner three by Vucevic helped the Bulls go into halftime with a 61-55 lead, and they continued to control the game until the end, with both teams emptying their benches in the final minutes.
UP NEXT
The Lakers face a quick turnaround as they meet the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. The Bulls continue their homestand, hosting the San Antonio Spurs on the same night. This game not only highlighted DeRozan’s leadership and scoring ability but also underscored the Bulls’ depth and efficiency in shooting, particularly from beyond the arc.
