Chicago Bulls’ Summer League struggles continue in 105-82 loss to Lakers

The Chicago Bulls’ Summer League woes deepened on Thursday afternoon as the Los Angeles Lakers dismantled them 105-82 at Thomas and Mack Center. The Bulls, who lost their fourth straight game, managed just 82 points while shooting 38.1% from the field. Last result: Dallas Mavericks 149-128 Chicago Bulls (2026-04-13). Recent form (last 5): 1W-0D-4L (LLLLW, most recent first).

What happened in Vegas?

The Lakers started slow but exploded for 64 points in the second and third quarters, turning a tight opening frame into a rout. Chicago’s offense sputtered throughout, managing only 38 points over those middle two periods. The Bulls’ second unit was outscored 52-34, leaving them with little chance to recover. Lakers guard Chris Mañon led all scorers with 16 points, while Cameron Carr and Arthur Kaluma added 14 and 11 respectively.

Who stood out for the Bulls?

Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, was the lone bright spot for Chicago. He poured in 21 points and pulled down eight rebounds, pacing a Bulls team that shot just 38.1% overall. Tobe Awaka and Boo Buie chipped in 12 points each, but no one else reached double digits. The Bulls’ poor shooting-especially from the perimeter-left them unable to keep pace with the Lakers’ balanced attack.

Why this matters for Chicago’s rebuild

The Bulls’ Summer League struggles reflect deeper issues beyond the scoreboard. Their recent form (1W-0D-4L) shows a team still searching for consistency, even with young talent like Wilson in the mix. The loss to the Lakers exposed defensive gaps and offensive stagnation, raising questions about how these issues translate once the regular season arrives. Chicago’s next chance comes Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a consolation game at 7 ET on ESPN.

What’s next for the Bulls?

Chicago wraps up Summer League play Friday with a consolation game against Cleveland. The Cavaliers, coming off their own Summer League setback, will look to bounce back just as the Bulls hope to salvage something from their trip. For Chicago, the focus shifts to refining rotations and addressing the defensive lapses that defined Thursday’s loss. The team’s next meaningful action won’t come until the regular season, but the work in Vegas offers a glimpse of what’s still broken-and what might need fixing.