The Los Angeles Lakers did their best to survive LeBron James’ injury with three wins in his six-game absence, and now they’re set to welcome him back on Saturday night in what could be a statement victory over the Chicago Bulls.
With the visitors remaining strong against the outside shot, I’ll explain in my Bulls vs Lakers predictions why the Lakers may be in for more trouble than we expect.
Let’s dig into some NBA player props and hand out some NBA picks on Saturday, March 22.
Bulls vs Lakers prediction
My best bet: Bulls +9 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
While the Los Angeles Lakers have been overcome by injury with a lengthy list ahead of Saturday’s game, it’s the Chicago Bulls we really need to talk about.
Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu remain out, which has thrown a wrench into their plans defensively and has thrust new faces into the fold on offense.
Chicago sits around the middle of the league on both ends, but the feather in its cap here is the fact that even with the injuries it still continues to defend the 3-point arc with excellence. Only one team has stopped the outside shot better this month, which should clash with a Lakers team that’s shot a ton of 3-pointers.
On the other side of the floor, the Bulls have taken the fourth-most shots at the rim this month as they continue to force the issue inside, which will be a big deal given it’s the one area of the floor that’s given this Lakers defense trouble since trading away Anthony Davis.
With that, I’m not entirely convinced this one will be academic for the Lakers, even if they have a clean bill of health. They’re going to be vulnerable at the rim and will find plenty of resistance at the arc, which should have them searching for answers.
The Bulls have covered in all but one of their last eight games as they ride their defense to some pleasant results, and if they can exploit the Lakers at the rim they may come up with the victory here.
Bulls vs Lakers same-game parlay
Bulls +9.5
Josh Giddey Over 18.5 points
LeBron James 25+ points
One of the men who’s stepped up for this injured Bulls backcourt is Josh Giddey, who has scored 19 or more in four straight and has only missed the mark once in his last 10 contests.
He’s averaged 23 points on 15.1 shots over that span, and as one of the men on this team who’s taken the most shots at the rim he should be uniquely suited to score for an offense that will be desperate for buckets.
On the other side, I think we have to back LeBron James in his return. Chicago’s biggest soft spot has been in the mid-range, both in terms of field goal defense and shot frequency, and now that Davis is gone, there’s nobody on the Lakers shooting more from this area on the floor.
James was a scoring machine prior to his injury, averaging 28.6 points in nine games, and he should find plenty of space to score the ball here.
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Bulls vs Lakers odds
Bulls vs Lakers live odds
Bulls vs Lakers opening odds
- Spread: Chicago +10 (-110) | Los Angeles -10 (-110)
- Moneyline: Chicago +350 | Los Angeles -450
- Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Bulls vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread has moved twice towards the Bulls, finally reaching nine points on Saturday afternoon.
- The Lakers have taken on 59% of the bets and 52% of the handle wagered on the spread.
- The total was bouncing around between 233.5 and 234 before news of James’ availability sent it skyrocketing as high as 237.5.
- 67% of the tickets and a whopping 96% of the money are on the Over.
Bulls vs Lakers trend
The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the 1Q Moneyline in 22 of their last 29 games (+19.65 Units / 43% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Lakers.
How to watch Bulls vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, LA |
| Date | Saturday, 3-22-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Chicago Sports Network, Spectrum SportsNet |
Bulls vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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