Bulls at Lakers: 3 Takeaways to Settling the Score

Feb 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) goes to the basket between Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) and forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) goes to the basket between Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) and forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrates after making a shot during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrates after making a shot during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Denzel Valentine

Valentine set out to impress in his second game since being cleared for play.

Like Lakers’ rookie Brandon Ingram, Valentine received quality minutes in Sunday night’s contest at the Staples Center.

Valentine racked up eight points and two rebounds in 17 minutes, compared to Ingram who tallied seven points, four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes.

Although his value dropped on draft night, Valentine is working to prove his doubters wrong. The rookie is making the case that he’s capable of stretching the floor within the flow of the Bulls’ offense. It appears that Valentine is adjusting well to the level competition exhibited in game-time action. Most notably, he settled into the lineup nicely in the absence of Wade.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

The Bulls will meet the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, at which time they’ll look to cap off the second to last game of their Circus Trip. The Lakers look to bounce back from Sunday night’s loss when they play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.