Chasing Legends: Checking In On Rebuild Status of Bulls and Lakers
As the Bulls and the Lakers matched up on Friday night, the two teams mirror each other in their efforts to reclaim championship glory….
The Bulls and Lakers currently hold very similar positions in the NBA hierarchy. The two faced off at the United Center last night, with the Lakers prevailing 108-103. The Bulls are now 18-31, putting them 12th in the East. The Lakers, at 19-29, sit at 11th in the West. And despite rocking the new “City Edition” jerseys, it’s tough not to reflect on what these organizations represent to the league. Both are legendary franchises, worldwide brands, and currently in full rebuild mode. Both have a solid base of young talent from which to build. And both somehow have a Lopez brother.
Following the closing of their championship window, and a power struggle between Jeanie and Jim Buss, Los Angeles commenced restructuring as Kobe Bryant’s career wound down. The Lakers began a tank process. Acquiring top picks, and working toward attracting future free agents, the goal is not stay at the bottom too long. The Bulls , as we know, went a different way, with some mismanagement and power struggles of their own. Chicago has been treading water for the past couple seasons, signing aging vets and battling for the 8th playoff spot. But the Bulls have now fully embraced the process…or so we think…
The Comparison
In comparing the squads, each have promising young cores. The Lakers lead with rookies Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball, second-year forward Brandon Ingram, and fourth year center Julius Randle. The Bulls counter with Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Bobby Portis ( I would include Niko Mirotic on this list but…well…you know… ).
Along with their young core, the Lakers are positioning themselves to go after the big fish (i.e. Paul George or LeBron James). But with their recent history in recruiting, President of Basketball Operations, Magic Johnson, might need a bigger boat.
As for the Bulls, this year’s revamped roster makes more sense with Hoiberg’s pace and space, slash and kick philosophy. Despite the preseason throwdown between Portis and Mirotic, the team appears to genuinely enjoy playing together, and for the coaching staff. Even Niko and Portis have found a rhythm on the floor. “They hashed it out,” Kris Dunn said of the two soon after Mirotic’s return. “They brought that positivity back into the team. They’re playing well off each other…It’s special for the team to see…”. And LaVine is transitioning smoothly into the Bull’s rotation. So it seems at times John Paxson and Gar Forman can’t win for losing.
The Bulls are now at a switch on the tanking tracks, and they have a choice to make. The trade deadline is rising quickly over the horizon. Do they veer left toward Try-Hard, Five-Hundredville once again (a destination Bulls fans are all too familiar with, and don’t care to re-visit). Or, do they trade Niko for a legitimate draft asset before the deadline, and maintain the momentum toward Lottery Junction?
To most Bulls fans looking ahead, the correct direction for the long term success of the franchise is clear. It was a mistake to ride with Rondo, Dwayne Wade, and Jimmy Butler last year, but that decision is now in the rear view mirror. It was the foresighted choice to change course, and move on. The tanker train was rolling along just fine. It’s not time to hit the brakes just yet.
Who wins out?
The questions now beg, with the Lakers and Bulls rebuilds both fully in motion: Which front office will better position the chess pieces for the future? Who will end up in a more favorable 2018 Draft Lottery spot, and who will re-ascend more quickly to the NBA mountaintop?