Field Level Media
26 Jan 2026, 04:25 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
A four-game winning streak has vaulted the Chicago Bulls over .500 for the first time since Nov. 24.
'Hopefully it means we're building, starting to do all the right things,' Bulls guard Kevin Huerter said.
Chicago will test that theory Monday as it hosts a Los Angeles Lakers team that has won three of four and is also trying to build sustained momentum.
'That's the unknown, but that's what you hope (for), obviously,' Lakers star LeBron James said. 'That's the unknown but you play the game. We got to now prepare ourselves for Chicago. ... So, we got to keep this road trip going.'
Monday marks the fourth game of an eight-game trip, with the latest stop being a successful one.
Los Angeles recovered from Thursday's 112-104 loss to the crosstown LA Clippers by rallying to defeat host Dallas 116-110 on Saturday.
Luka Doncic torched his former team for 33 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds while contributing solid defense, especially as the Mavericks targeted him down the stretch.
If the Lakers still wonder whether they're starting to roll, there should be no doubt that they're showing grit lately.
Marcus Smart, who scored seven of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, dislocated his right index finger on a deflected pass late in the game. Overcome by pain, he popped the finger back in place and continued.
'It's part of the game, but that's who I am,' Smart said. 'I'm a tough player. Things happen, and I want to be able to help my team in any way I can, whether I've got 10 fingers or not.'
Lately, Bulls fans have become skilled at flashing three fingers to celebrate a made 3-pointer.
Chicago swished 21 treys on Saturday, including Huerter's game-winner with 0.2 seconds left to sink the Boston Celtics in a 114-111 home win.
The Bulls have drilled at least 17 3-pointers in each game of their current run, including matching a franchise best with 25 makes in Tuesday's victory over the Clippers.
Coby White connected on 5 of 9 from deep against the Celtics on his way to 22 points, leading eight scorers in double figures.
Coach Billy Donovan feels 'we might have found something with our big lineup' that features Jalen Smith and Nikola Vucevic.
To Huerter, the versatility of the frontcourt and the rest of the lineup is what fuels the Bulls when they're at their best.
'Guys have been shooting better, which helps,' Huerter said. 'Getting our spacing right. I know we are playing big, but Stix (Smith) and Vooch (Vucevic) are really good shooters playing the four and five position. Always helps spacing the defense out and making them react to us. And we play with five guys on the court who can always shoot, and (are) shooting with confidence.'
The Bulls swept the Lakers in last season's series and are 6-4 in the past 10 games between the teams.
Vucevic has posted six double-doubles in his last 10 games versus Los Angeles.
Doncic averaged 29.5 points in two games against Chicago last season. He has scored no fewer than 24 points in 12 games this month.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Boston Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Boston Star.
More InformationSAN FRANCISCO, California: Amazon is preparing to deepen a significant restructuring of its white-collar workforce, with another wave...
SEOUL, South Korea: Plans by Hyundai Motor to introduce humanoid robots into its factories have sparked a warning from its powerful...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Growing demand for gold as a hedge against policy and geopolitical risks has prompted a more bullish outlook...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: As Hollywood's biggest streaming rivals circle Warner Bros Discovery, the bidding battle is already delivering...
DUBLIN, Ireland: In a move it believed was the right step forward, Barclays Bank has initiated plans to relocate its European headquarters...
NEW DELHI, India: India signed a US$3 billion deal this week to purchase liquefied natural gas from the United Arab Emirates, making...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock indexes delivered a mixed performance Friday to close out the trading week, with the Dow Jones Industrial...
HUDSONVILLE, Michigan: Heavy snowfall led to a massive pile-up off an interstate in Michigan on January 19, after more than 100 vehicles...
(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images) A four-game winning streak has vaulted the Chicago Bulls over .500 for the first time...
(Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images) Guard Anfernee Simons is frequently linked to trade rumors, but he's making it difficult...
(Photo credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images) A little over two weeks ago, the Boston Bruins scored ten goals against the New York...
(Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images) After picking up a 6-3 victory in Mitch Marner's highly anticipated return to Toronto,...
