Bulls vs. Lakers: Giddey Returns, Reaves Still Out, and Rotation Decisions Loom Large
It’s been almost a year since Josh Giddey stunned the Lakers with a half-court buzzer-beater that gave the Bulls a dramatic 119-117 win. Fast forward to tonight, and Giddey is back on the floor as Chicago prepares to face Los Angeles once again-this time under very different circumstances.
After missing 11 straight games with a hamstring strain, Giddey has returned to the Bulls’ lineup, logging minutes in the last two contests. While he hasn’t cracked the starting five just yet, there’s a real possibility that changes tonight.
Billy Donovan has been rolling with Jalen Smith in the starting unit over the past four games, and the big man has delivered solid performances. But with the Lakers fielding a smaller lineup, this could be the right moment to slide Giddey back into a starting role.
Chicago’s Rotation Puzzle
The Bulls are still navigating some key absences, most notably Tre Jones, who’s sidelined with a hamstring strain of his own. Officially, he’s listed as doubtful for tonight, but given the team’s cautious approach with Giddey’s return-he wasn’t upgraded to doubtful until three weeks after his injury-Jones’ status feels more like a formality than a sign of imminent return.
That puts even more emphasis on Giddey’s role. With Jones out, Giddey becomes even more valuable as a playmaker and secondary ball handler. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, expect him to shoulder more of the creative load, especially in half-court sets.
Lakers Still Without Reaves, May Miss LaRavia Too
On the Lakers’ side, the injury bug continues to bite. Austin Reaves, the team’s second-leading scorer, remains out with a calf strain he suffered on Christmas Day.
Head coach JJ Redick has said Reaves will return at some point during the team’s eight-game road swing, but it won’t be tonight in Chicago. A more realistic target appears to be January 28 against the Cavaliers.
In Reaves’ absence, Redick has turned to Jake LaRavia to fill the gap in the starting lineup. But that plan may need a tweak.
LaRavia is listed as questionable with a quad contusion, putting his availability in doubt. If he can’t go, Rui Hachimura is the likely next man up-bringing a different skill set and more size to the wing.
Injury Report at a Glance
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (right toe sprain), Noa Essengue (shoulder surgery)
- Doubtful: Tre Jones (left hamstring strain)
Los Angeles Lakers
- Questionable: Jake LaRavia (left quad contusion)
What to Watch Tonight
The chess match between both coaching staffs will be worth watching. Will Donovan trust Giddey to step back into a starting role against a smaller Lakers lineup?
Can the Bulls generate enough offense without Jones facilitating? And for L.A., will Hachimura slide back into the starting group if LaRavia can’t go?
Both teams are navigating injuries, but the decisions made around rotations tonight could tip the balance. Giddey’s return adds a new dynamic for Chicago, while the Lakers continue to search for stability without Reaves. It’s a midseason matchup with more intrigue than the standings might suggest.