How to Watch Lakers vs Bulls
– Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
– Time: 6:00 PM Eastern Time
– Channel: Chicago Sports Network
– Stream: Available on Fubo
Overview and teams to watch
The Lakers have been one of the standout teams in the Las Vegas Summer League, building momentum with a perfect record through three games. Their most recent outing saw them defeat the Los Angeles Clippers by a comfortable margin, 99-85, at the Thomas & Mack Center. The win continued a strong start to the summer for Los Angeles, as they showcase depth and scoring versatility across the roster.
Chicago enters this game looking to build on a mixed start in Las Vegas. After two losses, the Bulls secured a 99-87 victory over Washington in a recent contest, a performance highlighted by a 24-point effort from Jaylin Sellers. Sellers, an undrafted prospect, has been pressing for a larger role and has shown flashes of scoring ability that could help the Bulls in this tournament. Alongside Sellers, Chicago features promising young pieces, including No. 4 overall draft pick Caleb Wilson and sharpshooter Donovan Atwell, who has provided reliable three-point shooting.
Key players and contributions
– Lakers: The team has leaned on the contributions of Cameron Carr, who has repeatedly led the team in scoring during Summer League action. His scoring punch has been a focal point for Los Angeles’ early success. Supporting roles have emerged as well, with Arthur Kaluma and Adou Thiero contributing across multiple games, helping to stabilize the lineup and provide versatility in different lineups and defensive schemes.
– Bulls: Chicago’s core includes Caleb Wilson, the high draft pick who is expected to bring scoring and size to the frontcourt, along with Donovan Atwell, whose long-range shooting provides spacing. Jaylin Sellers has taken on an elevated role, using opportunities to showcase his ability to create offense and contribute as a secondary scorer.
Strategic angles
– Depth and versatility: The Lakers’ early run has been fueled by a mix of veteran awareness from newer arrivals and the emergence of young players who can step up when needed. Their ability to deploy multiple lineups and maintain offensive efficiency will be tested against a Bulls squad looking to maximize their potential with a balance of young talent and experience.
– Perimeter shooting: Teams in Summer League often hinge on three-point efficiency and contested attempts. Both teams will likely emphasize ball movement and off-ball screening to create open looks, particularly from the corners and the arc. The success of shooters like Atwell for Chicago and Carr for Los Angeles could tilt the momentum in a tightly contested affair.
– Transition and defense: Fast-break opportunities and transition defense will be critical. Teams with the ability to convert defensive stops into fast-break points can create early leads or erase deficits quickly in a fast-paced summer showcase.
What this game could mean for the season ahead
While Summer League results don’t directly translate to regular-season success, they provide valuable insights into player development, chemistry, and coaching strategies. For the Lakers, continuing their undefeated run would reinforce confidence in their young core and the effectiveness of their depth pieces. For Chicago, a strong performance against a high-scoring opponent could validate the progress of Wilson and Sellers, while Atwell’s shooting could become a reliable weapon in more competitive environments.
Streaming and accessibility
Fans can follow the game on the Chicago Sports Network, with live streaming options available via Fubo. Fubo offers a broad range of sports programming and can be accessed on various devices, including phones, tablets, and televisions. Availability details and regional restrictions may apply, so fans should check local listings and streaming options ahead of game time.
Notes
– The event takes place at the Las Vegas Summer League venue, a hub for evaluating young talent and professional development.
– The matchup features a contrast in team-building philosophies: the Lakers continuing to lean into a balanced, versatile attack, while the Bulls look to leverage a mix of high-upside young players and established shooting threats.
– As with all Summer League games, previewed outcomes should be interpreted as opportunities for players to prove themselves and for coaches to assess fit and potential roles for the upcoming season.
This article provides a comprehensive look at the Lakers vs Bulls Summer League game, highlighting key players, strategic considerations, and how the result could influence future development for both franchises.