NBA in Threes: Devin Booker drops 40; Lakers are red-hot

Chicago Bulls

There are really good things to talk about when it comes to this Chicago Bulls squad in spite of this loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. We’ll start with Zach LaVine who has carved out a place among elite Bulls alumni. Ninety-three games to 2,000 points!? Now that’s legit. LaVine had 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals in the game.

The Bulls showed excellent ball movement early in this game and shockingly jumped out to a 17-point lead at the half. They played at a quick pace, but not so quick as to get out of control. They were also very active defensively forcing the Lakers to make 11 turnovers in the first half of play. And the Bulls capitalized on those turnovers by scoring 15 points.

Also, have I mentioned lately that I love Coby White‘s game? I love the fact that he’s an absolutely fearless rookie. He knows he belongs on the floor and he makes quick, smart decisions. He’d been struggling a bit over the last few games after starting the season strong with 17 and 25 point performances. Against the Lakers, he bounced back a bit with an 18-point game off the bench.

The Bulls are the second-youngest team in the league this season and one thing that it’s traditionally been difficult for young teams to do is play with a lead. Against the ridiculous veteran depth of the Lakers, it was just that kind of finish for the Bulls. Once the Lakers finally locked in, things just got out of hand.

I don’t think this loss is anything for this young Bulls squad to be concerned about. This is a matchup they should lose. That they played well enough to lead for almost 35 minutes of this game, at times with a double-digit lead speaks volumes about this team’s future.; and it’s a not too distant future.

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