After a slow start, the Los Angeles Lakers survived a Chicago Bulls flurry, 117-115. LeBron James led the team with 28 points. He battled Zach LaVine, who opened the game with 19 points before finishing with 38. In the waning seconds of the game, James missed a logo three. Shortly after, LaVine nearly canned a jumper before the Lakers ran out the time. The win brings them to 7-3 on the season before they embark on a road trip against the Houston Rockets. Both Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were out for this one.
Montrezl Harrell is a bucket, and no one should forget that. When they seemed to wither, his energy level pumped up the team. Harrell had a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Wesley Matthews, who started tonight, added 14 points. He hit three big long-range shots that gave the Lakers a little distance going into the fourth quarter, 92-88. Dennis Schröder found his footing again with 17 points.
The Lakers were much better at the free-throw line tonight. They were 85.2 percent on 27 attempts. Last night against the San Antonio Spurs, they were 61.9 percent. Their three-point shooting was also great, going 41.4 percent on 29 attempts.
The Lakers will play two games in a row against the Rockets, continuing their baseball-style scheduling. Game one starts on Sunday night at 4 PM PST/7 PM EST.
