yahoo - 1/26/2026 4:35:11 PM - GMT (+2 )
The Los Angeles Lakers’ extended road trip moves east with a stop in the Windy City to battle the Chicago Bulls tonight.
Deandre Ayton hopes a two-day break can bust his current funk. He’s struggled on both ends of the floor, which has led to him being benched in each of the past two games.
However, Chicago’s soft interior defense could be just what Ayton needs to get back on track. His scoring output is the focus of my Lakers vs. Bulls predictions and NBA picks below.
Lakers vs Bulls predictionLakers vs Bulls best bet: Deandre Ayton Over 11.5 points (-120)
Deandre Ayton’s recent struggles have ignited a firestorm of criticism from NBA analysts and basketball fans, but this game against the Chicago Bulls could help get things on track. The Bulls are among the softer defenses in the league, especially when it comes to protecting the interior.
Chicago allows the fifth most points in the paint (53.3) and the seventh-highest points per game to the center position (25.7). The Bulls are undersized around the hoop, topping out with 6-foot-9 center Nikola Vucevic, who has lost a step defensively.
The 7-foot Ayton had scored 12+ points in four straight games and six of his last eight before this current three-game backslide, and averages almost 14 points on the season.
NBA player projections for Monday have Ayton ranging from 11.1 to 15.5, with the majority of models sitting closer to 13 points. My number, given Ayton plays his normal 29 minutes, comes out to 13.6 points against Chicago. That should have the Over 11.5 priced around -170.
The Lakers and Bulls aren’t the stingiest teams in the NBA, and Chicago’s up-tempo style will see a faster pace for this game.
LeBron James continues to impact games besides points. He’s dished out 7+ dimes in seven of his last 12 outings.
Lakers vs Bulls SGP- Over 237.5
- Deandre Ayton Over 11.5 points
- LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
Rui Hachimura has started to find his stroke from deep after missing time with injury, including 2+ triples in three of his last four outings.
Lakers vs Bulls SGP- Over 237.5
- Deandre Ayton Over 11.5 points
- LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
- Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes
- Spread: Lakers -1.5 (-108) | Bulls +1.5 (-112)
- Moneyline: Lakers -115 | Bulls -105
- Over/Under: Over 237.5 | Under 237.5
The Lakers are 7-5 Over/Under in non-conference games while the Bulls are 9-6 O/U against Western Conference foes this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Bulls.
How to watch Lakers vs Bulls| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Spectrum SportsNet, CHSN |
Not intended for use in MA.
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