The Chicago Bulls had one of their more impressive offseasons in a while, though it's too early to declare them the winners of the summer. But Norman Powell — Chicago's biggest free-agent addition — appears ready to put them ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, at least.
When asked who the most overrated team in the NBA is (h/t Legion Hoops), Powell responded simply, "I'm gonna say the Lakers, bro."
The 33-year-old isn't alone in believing LA is overhyped, but there are a few connections between how the Bulls and Lakers approached the 2026 offseason. It's interesting to look at the signings both teams made — and didn't make — and how those decisions set them up for either success or failure.
Or, perhaps more fittingly in this case, overachieving or underachieving.
Norman Powell says Lakers are the most overrated team in the NBA
Anytime someone drops "Lakers" into any discussion, arguments will follow. But Powell isn't necessarily wrong here.
The more compelling discussion for Bulls fans, though, comes when you compare and contrast the moves both franchises made this past summer.
Collin Sexton, for example, went from Chicago to LA. After landing in the Windy City at last year's trade deadline, the former Alabama star played 26 games with the Bulls and was one of their most consistent players over the last few months.
Sexton averaged 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 41.0 percent from 3-point range. But he'll turn 28 this season and doesn't fit the Bulls' current timeline. The Lakers swooped in and signed him to a two-year, $19 million deal, and he'll compete for their sixth-man role.
LA made one of the offseason's splashiest moves when it acquired center Walker Kessler from the Jazz in a deal that sent Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
As one of the league's top emerging rebounders, shot blockers and interior scorers, Kessler would've fit well as the Bulls' long-term answer at center. But the Lakers paid a shockingly high price, one that would have frankly been rebuild malpractice for Chicago.
Tossing a massive offer sheet to then-restricted free agent Austin Reaves could've been an appealing move for the Bulls. Selecting Cameron Carr with the 15th pick in the draft was an option before they landed on Dailyn Swain.
Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht were linked to the Bulls in different trade scenarios. Quentin Grimes was another free agent backcourt option.
There's an alternate reality in which Chicago's roster looks a lot like LA's. But the Bulls should be content with how things played out.
Norman Powell highlights a bright offseason for the Bulls
Rather than overpaying for Kessler, Bulls executive VP of basketball operations acquired Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets and simply absorbed him into open cap space. He selected Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick and Swain at No. 15. He picked up the team option on 22-year-old forward Leonard Miller.
He brought back Zach Collins to serve as Claxton's backup and signed Powell to a two-year, $45 million contract.
Both Collins and Powell have team options in the second season of their deals, essentially making them expiring contracts that Chicago can flip for draft assets.
The Lakers had a splashy summer, while Powell was the non-draft highlight of the Bulls' offseason. Still, Chicago is looking at a seemingly bright and, critically, flexible future.
LA is once again squarely in the "overrated" conversation.
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