Lakers News: Chicago Announces First 5 Vs Los Angeles

Who will replace the key piece out for Chicago?

The absence of All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine has left the Chicago Bulls in need of a serious scoring boost from elsewhere on the roster. 

Recently, guard Coby White has been able to provide that, slotting in their backcourt alongside Alex Caruso. Here's a look at their starting five tonight: 

Our first five on the floor tonight vs. the Lakers.@FirstAlert | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/FGqCSxtYIS

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 26, 2024

White has fully broken out this season, averaging 19 points on an efficient 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range. He's also been adding five rebounds and five assists per game, filling the void of LaVine well. 

Former Laker Alex Caruso is an All-Defensive piece that provides value in a number of ways, making it no surprise that he's a prime trade target for the Lakers. 

Wings DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams complement each other well, with DeRozan being a ball-dominant scorer averaging 22 points a night, while Williams has been a great defensive player that shoots 40% from three-point range. They should be a solid matchup for LeBron James and Taurean Prince on the Lakers' end of things. 

Nikola Vucevic draws another start at center for Chicago, where he averages 17 points and 11 rebounds. The USC product will make a return to Southern California while he looks to use his jump-shooting ability to draw Anthony Davis away from the basket to open up the Chicago offense.