The Lakers have been rolling through Las Vegas Summer League, and Thursday night gives them a chance to keep that perfect run alive against a Bulls team still trying to find its footing.
Los Angeles enters the matchup unbeaten in Vegas and can lock up a spot in the semifinals with a win. Chicago, meanwhile, just got its first Summer League victory on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards and now faces a Lakers group that has already built momentum from the California Classic.
The headliner here is Caleb Wilson. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has been one of the most electric players in the class, and he has made it clear he wants to keep playing. He appeared in both ends of a back-to-back earlier this week, so Chicago may have to hold him out if it wants to keep him from facing Los Angeles.
When Wilson has been on the floor, he’s looked the part. He opened with 35 points in his Summer League debut, then followed that up with 19 points and a game-high five blocks against Utah. The UNC product has also shown an improved 3-point shot, and he’s starting to look like a real Rookie of the Year candidate.
If Wilson suits up Thursday, he’ll be the kind of player worth tuning in for.
But the Lakers have plenty going for them too. Their extra run this summer has mattered, and it shows in how connected they’ve looked. They beat Oklahoma City by 12, Dallas by 21 and the Los Angeles Clippers by 14 in Las Vegas.
Cameron Carr has been a big reason why. He’s averaging 20.5 points per game in Vegas and has been outstanding for Los Angeles. Adou Thiero has also had room to shine, while undrafted free agent Arthur Kaluma has given the offense a major lift with 22.3 points per game.
Chicago’s path has been a little rougher. The Bulls have dropped two of three in Vegas, and they were held under 70 points in a loss to Utah earlier in the week.
That’s why the Lakers are the side to back here. They’ve got the cleaner path to the Summer League semifinals, and a win gets them there.
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Caleb Wilson Sends A Message Bulls Fans Will Love
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Wilson also made clear he wants as many reps as possible, and that mindset will play well in Chicago. Beyond the highlight plays, he has talked about sharpening the outside shot that could determine how quickly his game translates, which is part of what makes his continued Summer League run worth watching even with the bigger payoff still ahead. [Read more 🡒]