It's been over a year since the Chicago Bulls last faced the Los Angeles Lakers. The two storied franchises last clashed in January 2024. The Lakers won that contest, 141-132, behind terrific shooting. Los Angeles shot 60.9 percent from the field and 64.5 percent from three. Former Laker D'Angelo Russell led the team in scoring, dropping 29 points on the Bulls.
422 days later, the two squads will feature drastically different rosters. For starters, Luka Doncic suits up for the Lakers. Even though it's been over a month since Los Angeles acquired the 26-year-old superstar, it's still baffling to watch a player of Doncic's caliber suit up next to 21-time All-Star LeBron James.
LeBron is a game-time decision, Doncic is expected to play
However, there's a chance the duo won't be playing alongside one another when the Bulls come to town. The future Hall-of-Famer has missed six consecutive contests with a groin strain and has been listed as questionable ahead of tonight's matchup. On a positive note, James' questionable status is an upgrade after being listed as out for over a week. The 6-foot-9 forward is a true game-time decision for tonight's contest.
Besides James, Doncic is also listed on the injury report. The superstar guard missed Los Angeles' previous game with an ankle sprain. Although he was out of the lineup just two days ago, Doncic is expected to make his return against the Bulls. The 6-foot-7 guard is listed as probable.
Moreover, Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura have all been deemed probable. Like James', Hachimura's injury designation is encouraging. The 27-year-old has yet to suit up in March as he's dealt with left patellar tendinopathy—a similar injury that kept Bulls' forward Patrick Williams out for an extended period.
Chicago to be without guards Ball and Jones
While the Lakers are getting healthy at the right time, the same cannot be said of the Bulls. Chicago will be without two guards, Lonzo Ball and Tre Jones, against Los Angeles. The former, a Los Angeles native, hasn't faced the Lakers since 2021. He's been especially good against his hometown team, averaging 19.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in five appearances throughout his career.
Jones will miss his first game as a member of the Bulls with an injury designation. He suffered a midfoot sprain against the Sacramento Kings on March 20 and will be re-evaluated in two weeks following the injury. Losing Jones is considerable. The former San Antonio Spur has averaged 14.9 points and 7.1 assists since joining the starting lineup on March 4.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Lonzo Ball (Right Wrist Sprain), Tre Jones (Left Midfoot Sprain).
Los Angeles Lakers
Out: Maxi Kleber (Right Foot Surgery Recovery).
Questionable: LeBron James (Left Groin Strain).
Probable: Luka Doncic (Right Ankle Sprain), Dorian Finney-Smith (Left Ankle Injury Management), Rui Hachimura (Left Patellar Tendinopathy), Austin Reaves (Right Ankle Sprain), Jarred Vanderbilt (Right Groin Strain), Gabe Vincent (Left Knee Injury Management).