Lakers And Bulls Clash In Chicago As Streaks And Star Power Collide

NBA fans braced for a thrilling Monday night at the United Center as the Chicago Bulls hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on January 26, 2026. With both teams entering the contest riding recent hot streaks, the matchup promised fireworks—and plenty of storylines for those glued to their screens or bundled up in the subzero Chicago chill.

The Bulls, boasting a 23-22 record, strutted into the game with the longest active winning streak in the league—four straight victories, all at home. During this run, Chicago had been on fire from beyond the arc, draining 83 triples and notching impressive wins over heavyweights like the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Celtics. Their surge was fueled by a potent mix of youth, athleticism, and a balanced attack led by Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Nikola Vučević.

Meanwhile, the Lakers arrived in Chicago with a 27-17 record, holding fifth place in the Western Conference and trailing the Houston Rockets by just half a game. The team was in the thick of an eight-game road trip, having gone 2-1 so far and 3-1 in their last four overall, thanks to a string of wins over Toronto, Denver, and Dallas. Notably, their latest triumph was a comeback against the Mavericks, a testament to their late-game poise and the star power of Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

Dončić, who continues to dazzle as the league's leading scorer, entered the night averaging a staggering 33.4 points per game and a league-high 11.2 free throw attempts. His ability to take over games single-handedly has made him a frontrunner in the MVP conversation. As one report cheekily put it, "Not many players can single-handedly beat you, but Dončić is undoubtedly one of those players. So, how do you stop him? You don't."

But the Bulls' defensive strategy was clear: limit Dončić's supporting cast, especially with the Lakers' bench averaging the fewest points per game in the NBA. That task was complicated by the Lakers' knack for drawing fouls—tops in the league—while the Bulls, unfortunately, led the NBA in personal fouls. The free-throw line was expected to be a busy place, and fans anticipated a potential discrepancy that could swing the game's momentum.

Injuries loomed large for both squads. The Lakers continued to miss Austin Reaves, their second-leading scorer, sidelined since Christmas Day with a calf strain. He was joined on the injury list by Adou Thiero, out with a knee issue, and Jake LaRavia, who was questionable due to a left quad contusion. For the Bulls, Zach Collins (toe) and Tre Jones (hamstring) were both out, while Noa Essengue (shoulder) was done for the season. Josh Giddey was listed as probable, still working his way back from a hamstring strain, and Patrick Williams was probable with a right ankle sprain.

Projected starting lineups reflected the injury woes but also the star power on display. For Chicago: Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, and Nikola Vučević. For Los Angeles: Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. With such talent on the court, the game was expected to be fast-paced, physical, and high-scoring.

Statistically, the contest shaped up as a near-even affair. The Lakers averaged 116 points per game, just a shade below the 119.7 points the Bulls allowed. Chicago, meanwhile, put up 117.9 points per outing, slightly more than the 116.2 points the Lakers typically surrendered. The Bulls' edge on the glass—leading the league in defensive rebounds—was seen as a potential difference-maker, especially since the Lakers ranked near the bottom in total rebounding.

Betting markets reflected the razor-thin margin between these two storied franchises. Odds from multiple outlets, including FanDuel and BetMGM, pegged the Lakers as slight favorites with a -1.5 spread and a moneyline hovering around -116 to -120. The over/under was set at a lofty 237.5 points, underscoring expectations for a shootout. As one preview noted, "Little by little, the Lakers could be learning what they have to do to become their best selves, and they have the type of star power Chicago doesn't."

The United Center crowd, already buzzing from the Bulls’ five-game home win streak, anticipated a battle reminiscent of last season's dramatic finish—when Josh Giddey stunned the Lakers with a game-winner and flirted with a quadruple-double. Revenge, it seemed, was on the Lakers' minds. The subzero temperatures outside did nothing to cool the intensity inside, where both teams looked to solidify their playoff credentials in their respective conferences.

For fans tuning in, the broadcast options were plentiful. The game aired on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) and Spectrum SportsNet, with streaming available on Fubo, DirecTV, and other platforms. Tip-off was set for 7:00 p.m. Central Time (5:00 p.m. Pacific, 8:00 p.m. Eastern), and radio coverage could be found on 670 The Score and SiriusXM. The Lakers’ road trip would continue with stops against the Cavaliers (Jan. 28), Wizards (Jan. 30), and Knicks (Feb. 1), while the Bulls aimed to keep their streak alive in front of their home fans.

As the game unfolded, both teams delivered on the hype. The Bulls’ hot shooting from deep and dominance on the boards kept them neck-and-neck with the Lakers’ relentless attack, orchestrated by Dončić and James. Every possession felt like it could tip the balance, with physical defense, timely threes, and, yes, plenty of trips to the free-throw line. Josh Giddey’s play was closely watched—would he replicate his 21-point outing against Boston or struggle as he did versus Minnesota? The answer would likely go a long way toward deciding the outcome.

With the action ongoing and no final score yet in the books, fans and analysts alike were left to savor the intensity and narrative twists of one of the NBA’s marquee matchups. Would the Bulls’ home-court magic continue, or would the Lakers’ superstar firepower prove too much? One thing was certain: in the heart of winter, the NBA’s heat was alive and well in Chicago.