Preview: Lakers Visit Bulls in Key Conference Clash CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Lakers, led by the torrid play of Luka Doncic, visit the surging Chicago Bulls on Monday night at United Center in a cross-conference matchup with playoff implications. The Lakers (26-17) arrive after a 104-112 road loss to the Clippers on Thursday, snapping a brief two-game win streak. Despite the loss, Doncic continued his dominant run, posting 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Over his last 10 games, the guard is averaging a staggering 33.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists, recording four triple-doubles in that span. LeBron James remains a key contributor, adding 23 points, five rebounds and six assists in the loss to the Clippers. Los Angeles has been inconsistent lately, going 5-5 in its last 10 contests. The team’s defense has been a particular concern, allowing an average of 116.3 points in those games. They face a Bulls squad (23-22) that has found momentum, winning three straight and seven of its last 10. Chicago is coming off a impressive 114-111 home victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday. Center Nikola Vucevic, guard Coby White and forward Matas Buzelis were the top performers in that win. The Bulls’ offense has ignited during this stretch, scoring 124, 138 and 120 points in three of their recent victories. This game opens a three-game road trip for the Lakers, who visit Cleveland next. The Bulls, meanwhile, begin a daunting stretch after this contest, with nine of their next 10 games on the road, including a four-game trip that features three consecutive games in Miami. Historically, the matchup pits the Lakers’ star-driven attack against a balanced Bulls team playing with confidence at home. Containing Doncic will be Chicago’s primary defensive challenge, while the Lakers must solve a Bulls offense that has been explosive during its current homestand. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CST.