On Thursday night, the Chicago Bulls will be in Los Angeles to face off against the Lakers.
The Bulls are coming off a thrilling 130-124 victory over the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center.
Matas Buzelis exploded for 41 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks while shooting 16/28 from the field and 5/15 from three-point range in 45 minutes of playing time.
Chicago Bulls Announce Players Available
For Thursday’s game, the Bulls will be without a lot of players.
Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation wrote: “Billy Donovan says Isaac Okoro, Collin Sexton and Patrick Williams are all out tonight against the Lakers. Jalen Smith is available to play.”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Collin Sexton #2 of the Chicago Bulls reacts after a call during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the United Center on March 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Underdog NBA has announced the full list of players who will be available for the Bulls.
They wrote: “Bulls players available Thursday:
Josh Giddey Matas Buzelis Jalen Smith Tre Jones Nick Richards Leonard Miller Rob Dillingham Yuki Kawamura Lachlan Olbrich”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 29: Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at the United Center on December 29, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bulls will need Josh Giddey to have a strong performance.
He comes into play with averages of 17.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 45.7% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range in 43 games.
Underdog NBA added: “Lineup alert: Bulls will start Giddey, Jones, Miller, Buzelis, Smith on Thursday.”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 17: Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a three pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at the United Center on December 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls Having Tough Season
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls is guarded by Al Horford #20 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on March 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Bulls are the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 27-38 record in 65 games.
They have won only three out of their last ten games (and are 11-20 in 31 games on the road).
Following their showdown with the Lakers, the Bulls will play their next game on Friday when they meet the LA Clippers (also in California).
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the United Center on March 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Bulls last made the NBA playoffs in 2022 with DeMar DeRozan.
They are currently 6.0 games back of the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in tournament spot.
Looking At The Lakers
The Lakers are the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 40-25 record in 65 games.
They have won three in a row.
Chicago Bulls Announce Players Available For Lakers Game