Game Time: Monday, January 26, 2026
Location: United Center, Chicago
TV: ESPN, CHSN
Spread: Lakers -1.5
Total: 236.5 points
Bulls fans, this is the kind of game that makes the regular season fun.
We’re 23-22, riding a FIVE-game home winning streak, and feeling like we might actually be a playoff team. And walking through our doors tonight? LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
They’re 27-17, sitting comfortably in the Western Conference playoff race, and they’re 15-9 on the road which means they don’t get rattled playing away from LA.
We’re only 1.5-point underdogs at home, which tells you everything you need to know about how close this game should be. Two teams heading in the right direction, both desperate for wins, and a chance to beat LeBron and AD at the United Center.
Let’s not screw this up.
Current Records: Both Teams Playing Good Basketball
Bulls: 23-22 (15-9 at home, on a 5-game home win streak)
Lakers: 27-17 (15-9 on the road)
Here’s what’s wild about this matchup—both teams have identical home/road records. We’re 15-9 at the United Center. They’re 15-9 on the road. That’s perfect symmetry.
The Lakers are the better team overall (they’re four games over .500, we’re one game over), but this isn’t a mismatch. We’ve been excellent at home, they’ve been solid on the road, and the betting line reflects that this could go either way.
Plus, we’re on a five-game home win streak. That’s real momentum. We’re not the same inconsistent Bulls team from November. We’re playing with confidence, executing late in games, and protecting home court.
Why We’re Slight Underdogs (And Why It’s Fair)
1. LeBron James and Anthony Davis
They’ve got two future Hall of Famers in their prime (well, LeBron’s past his prime but he’s still LeBron). When both are healthy and locked in, they’re one of the best duos in basketball.
LeBron can still take over games in the fourth quarter. AD can dominate both ends of the floor. That’s why LA is favored.
2. They’re 5-0 In Close Games
The Lakers are 5-0 in games decided by 3 points or fewer. That’s elite clutch execution. When games get tight, they know how to close.
We’re 3-2 in close games, which is decent but not elite. If this game comes down to one possession, history says the Lakers win.
3. They Just Beat Dallas
LA is coming off a 116-110 win over the Mavericks. They’re playing well, they’ve got confidence, and they’re not walking into Chicago expecting to lose.
4. Austin Reaves Is Playing Great
Reaves has been fantastic this season. He’s their third-best player, and when he’s hitting shots, the Lakers become really hard to beat.
If Reaves gets 20+ tonight, we’re in trouble.
Why The Bulls Can Absolutely Win This Game
Alright, enough respect for the Lakers. Let me make the case for why we’re winning tonight:
1. We’re 15-9 At Home And On A 5-Game Win Streak
Fifteen and nine at the United Center. That’s a 62.5% win rate at home. We’re not just decent—we’re GOOD in our building.
And we’ve won five straight home games. The crowd is into it, our guys are confident, and we’re executing. That momentum matters.
2. We Push Pace Better Than Anyone
We average 18.0 fast break points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. The Lakers average 14.2. That’s a 4-point advantage every night if we can push tempo.
If we can get out in transition, force LA to run, and score easy buckets before their defense gets set, we control the game.
3. Nikola Vučević Is Playing Great
Vooch is averaging 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He’s our most consistent player, and against the Lakers’ interior defense, he should be able to score.
If Vooch gets 20+ points and 12+ rebounds, we’re in great shape.
4. Coby White Is A Problem In Transition
Coby leads our team in fast break points and has been phenomenal during this home win streak. When Coby is pushing pace and attacking in transition, we’re dangerous.
The Lakers don’t love playing fast. If Coby can speed this game up, advantage Bulls.
5. The United Center Will Be Loud
LeBron and AD coming to town means a sold-out, hyped crowd. When the building is rocking, we play better.
If we can feed off that energy and jump out early, LA will feel the pressure.
The LeBron and AD Problem
Let’s be real about what we’re facing. LeBron James is 40 years old and still averaging 23+ points, 8+ assists, and making clutch plays. Anthony Davis is one of the best two-way big men in the league when healthy.
How Do We Slow Them Down?
Short answer: we probably can’t.
LeBron is going to get his 24-26 points. AD is going to dominate in the paint. That’s just reality.
Our goal isn’t to stop them—it’s to limit them enough that our offense can outscore theirs. If we can hold LeBron to 24 (instead of 35) and AD to 22 (instead of 32), we have a shot.
But if both go off for 30+? We’re cooked.
The Key Matchups That’ll Decide This Game
DeMar DeRozan vs LeBron James
Our veteran scorer against the greatest player of this generation. This will be fun.
DeMar’s mid-range game vs LeBron’s all-around brilliance. If DeMar can get 26-28 efficiently, we stay competitive. If LeBron dominates both ends, we lose.
Edge: LeBron, but DeMar can keep it respectable.
Nikola Vučević vs Anthony Davis
Vooch’s versatility vs AD’s two-way dominance. This battle in the paint matters.
If Vooch can pull AD away from the rim with his mid-range game and win the rebounding battle, we’re in control. If AD camps in the paint and dominates, we’re in trouble.
Edge: AD, but Vooch can hang.
Coby White vs Austin Reaves
Battle of the guards who’ve both exceeded expectations this season.
Coby’s speed and transition scoring vs Reaves’ all-around game. If Coby can push pace and get 20+, we’ve got a chance. If Reaves outplays him, LA pulls away.
Edge: Toss-up. Both are playing great.
My Prediction: We Lose A Close One
I want to believe we can beat LeBron and AD at home. We’ve got momentum, home court, and the ability to push pace.
But the Lakers are 5-0 in close games. LeBron is still LeBron. And AD is one of the best players in basketball.
Final Score: Lakers 121, Bulls 116
We lose by 5, which means we don’t cover the +1.5. The game stays tight until the final three minutes, then LeBron takes over and closes it out.
It’s a respectable loss, but a loss nonetheless.
Betting Picks
Lean: Bulls +1.5 ✓
One and a half points at home on a 5-game win streak? I’ll take it.
Strong Lean: Over 236.5 ✓✓
Both teams can score. This should fly over.
Avoid: Lakers -1.5
Laying points with LA on the road against a hot home team? Pass.
Player Props:
- LeBron James Over 24.5 Points ✓
- Nikola Vučević Over 16.5 Points ✓
Keys To Victory
For the Bulls to win:
- Push pace relentlessly (20+ fast break points)
- Vooch dominates inside (22+ points, 12+ rebounds)
- Limit LeBron and AD to under 50 combined
- Coby White with 20+ points
- Win the rebounding battle
What kills us:
- LeBron and AD combine for 60+
- We can’t get out in transition
- Austin Reaves gets hot (25+ points)
- Lakers execute perfectly in crunch time
- We turn the ball over 16+ times
The Honest Bulls Fan Take
This is the kind of game that defines whether we’re actually good or just beating up on bad teams at home.
The Lakers are a legitimate playoff team with two superstars. If we can beat them at the United Center, it proves we belong in the playoff conversation.
But LeBron and AD are really, really good. And the Lakers are 5-0 in close games, which means they know how to close.
Can we win? Absolutely. We’re at home, we’re hot, and we can score with anybody when we’re pushing pace.
Will we win? I’m not confident. The Lakers are just better, and their clutch execution is elite.
Lakers 121, Bulls 116. We lose close, maybe don’t cover, but we prove we can compete with the West’s best.
Go Bulls. Give LeBron and AD a fight. Make them earn it.
Game Info Summary
- When: Monday, January 26, 2026
- Where: United Center, Chicago
- TV: ESPN, CHSN
- Records: Bulls 23-22, Lakers 27-17
- Spread: Lakers -1.5
- Total: 236.5 points
Bulls’ advantages:
- 5-game home win streak
- 18.0 fast break PPG (5th in NBA)
- Home court energy
- Vooch playing consistently well
Lakers’ strengths:
- LeBron James and Anthony Davis
- 5-0 in games decided by 3 or fewer
- 15-9 road record
- Elite clutch execution
Key matchups:
- DeMar vs LeBron
- Vooch vs AD
- Coby vs Reaves
Key stat: Both teams 15-9 (Bulls at home, Lakers on road)
Final picks:
- Bulls +1.5 (lean)
- Over 236.5 (strong lean)
- LeBron Over 24.5 points
- Vooch Over 16.5 points
Bottom line: We’re hot at home, but LeBron and AD are elite. Close loss likely.
Go Bulls. Beat the Lakers and make a statement.