Chicago Bulls: 3 red hot players who can help beat the Lakers

Hot Chicago Bulls players that can help beat the Lakers: DeMar DeRozan

The hottest of the Bulls’ players that are playing well of late coming into this key meeting with the Lakers is four-time All-Star shooting guard/forward DeMar DeRozan.

There are multiple reasons why it is a valid expectation to think that DeRozan could go off again on this night against the Lakers. DeRozan was tremendous for the Bulls in the win over the Clippers on Nov. 14. He came up with a game-high 35 points, seven rebounds, five assists, no steals, no blocks, and just one turnover.

That all came while DeRozan shot 75 percent from the field, hit on his only attempt from beyond the arc, and went 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.

If the star scoring duo of LaVine and DeRozan remain hot against the Lakers, this could be another big offensive night for these two. DeRozan was the ultimate catalyst of efficient offensive production for the Bulls in the win over the Clippers.

This is the second straight game for DeRozan in his hometown of Los Angeles. And he tends to play amazingly well when he plays at the Staples Center. And against the Lakers alone in his career, he’s averaged around 21 points per game, six rebounds, and six assists. He is more productive against the Lakers historically than most other opponents out of the West.

The Lakers defense this season also isn’t what it was last season. Last season, the Lakers topped the league in defensive rating. This season, they rank outside of the top 10 and are around the middle of the pack in the West. With LeBron out, that should only make matters worse for them in trying to contain the likes of DeRozan and LaVine on that end of the floor.