Chicago Bulls - Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Chicago Bulls get their seven game road trip under way as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Bulls big man Pau Gasol will be having a reunion with his old team and well known teammate Kobe Bryant. Bryant has previously spoken out about how he felt Gasol was mistreated by fans during their title winning run. Many Lakers fans called him "soft" and not a championship caliber player, even while they were having success. Los Angeles is a beacon for the media world, and it seemed extra criticism was dished out as high expectations were put on Gasol because of all the amazing big men that have played for the team throughout its historic franchise.

Inconsistency Hurting Chicago

The Bulls and coach Fred Hoiberg have had a very up and down first half of the season. After getting big wins that looked to give the team the ability to go in the right direction, it has instead gone the other way where they are losing games against less than average teams.

Most recently, the Bulls got a big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers who lead the Eastern Conference standings, but then dropped a very disappointing game at home to the Miami Heat. The Bulls have shown a lack of focus and toughness at times. Leader and starting shooting guard Jimmy Butler has been adamant at the need of a better mentality from his teammates and coaches.

Kobe And Kids

The Lakers on the other hand are coming into the game under a rebuilding period. The main headline of the season is the farewell tour for Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who has stated he will retire after the season is over. There has been a debate whether Bryant should be taking up the minutes of the younger players. Head coach Byron Scott has elected to give the veteran the nod over the youthful bench. To be fair, Bryant has done so much for the franchise that it only feels right to treat him well on the way out. He also is one of the only reasons people come to watch the games and racks in a lot of revenue from jersey sales and other merchandise.

At 9-38, the Lakers come into the home game as the under dogs against the Bulls. With many players out for the Bulls, it will be extremely key that Butler, Gasol and Taj Gibson step up and deliver on both sides of the ball. If the Bulls can be consistent they should win the game as they have the talent. The issue is the Bulls have many lulls throughout a game and let their opponents back into games.

If that is the case, the Lakers will have many chances to make the game close and take it. The key for them is their work ethic. If they outwork the Bulls on the defensive side and grab more boards they will have a chance. Bryant will need to produce as well as rising star Jordan Clarkson.

Injury Report

Chicago Bulls:

Joakim Noah	Inactive/Left shoulder injury
Kirk Hinrich	Out/Left shoulder contusion
Mike Dunleavy	Inactive/Back
Derrick Rose	Day-to-day/Sore hamstring
Nikola Mirotic	Out/Appendicitis