Lakers vs. Bulls Summer League Preview: Bronny James, Dalton Knecht & Maxwell Lewis Out in Las Vegas Finals

The Los Angeles Lakers have found their groove after some early struggles this summer, winning back-to-back in Las Vegas. It wasn’t a great start, as LA went 0-3 in the California Classic and started 0-2 when they arrived in Nevada.

Interestingly, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James look more comfortable with each game they play. On Thursday, Knecht led the Lakers with 20 points and sealed their victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. James posted his second consecutive double-figure performance with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Offense has been a struggle for LA, as they have been unable to maintain their scoring through all four quarters. Cleveland led for most of that game, but the Lakers offense has come into its own, as has their defense, which has been reassuring to see.

Currently tied at 2-2, with one game left and a chance to win three in a row to close out their Summer League run, they will face the Chicago Bulls in this final, who are highlighted by 11th overall draft pick Matas Buzelis.

But the Lakers will have to pull this win off with a handful of players, as Knecht, James and Maxwell Lewis are out. This is due to the recent volume of practices and games this summer, which has allowed for more extensive scrutiny of some of the other players on the roster.

Chicago is coming off a win on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks when DJ Steward exploded for 37 points and seven assists on 11-for-19 shooting. He was joined by Julian Phillips, who scored 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting, and Adama Sanogo, who finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Buzelis struggled coming off the bench, however, with 11 points on 4-for-17 shooting from the field and 1-for-6 from 3-point range. Still, he’s a talented player and L.A. should build on their defensive performance on Thursday, as the Bulls have capable scorers.

Specifically, controlling the glass is a must for the Lakers, and that starts with Colin Castleton and Moses Brown. That’s in addition to containing players like Steward and Phillips, which could be a tough task without James.

If the Lakers win three games in a row, it would be a huge morale boost despite a rocky start to their Summer League campaign.

Los Angeles Lakers (2-2) vs. Chicago Bulls (2-2)

4:00 p.m. PT, July 20, 2024
Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: NBA TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Expected Lakers Lineup:

PG: Sean Oost II
SG: Tommy Kuhse
SF: Blake Hinson
PF: Armel Traore
C: Colin Castleton

Key reserves: Moses Brown, Quincy Olivari, Mohamed Diarra

Bulls expected lineup:

PG: DJ Steward
SG: Andrew Funk
SF: Julian Phillips
PF: Henri Drell
C: Adama Sanogo

Key Reserves: Matas Buzelis, Dereon Seabron, Garrison Brooks, Javonte Smart