JJ Redick Believes Lakers’ Luka Doncic Is Not Being Talked About Enough Luka Doncic’s first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers has exceeded expectations, with the Slovenian star on track for his second career scoring title and ranking third in the NBA in assists. After overcoming early-season injuries, Doncic has surged to new heights, delivering a standout performance in the Lakers’ 12-point victory over the Chicago Bulls. In that game, Doncic scored a season-high 51 points while adding 10 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals, marking what Redick called his best game of the season. The win extended the Lakers’ winning streak to four games, and Doncic’s efficiency from beyond the arc was a key factor. He hit nine 3-pointers in the contest, continuing a strong stretch of shooting that has defined his recent play. Redick highlighted Doncic’s improved consistency, noting that the forward has maintained a high volume and high efficiency in his shooting since January. “He’s been high volume, high efficiency for about two-and-a-half months now,” Redick said. “It’s so important because it sets up the rest of his game when he’s making threes. It can be a kill shot some nights, it can be a run stop some nights.” Redick emphasized how Doncic’s ability to knock down long-range shots creates opportunities for his teammates, allowing the Lakers to transition into offensive flow. The coach also praised Doncic’s decision-making in the pick-and-roll, particularly his ability to find open teammates and create space for the Lakers’ offense. The game against the Bulls also featured a pivotal moment early in the contest, where Doncic’s play set the tone for the Lakers’ offensive success.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #austin_reaves #matas_buzelis
Tre Jones Set to Start in Thursday's Game Against the Lakers Tre Jones has been named to the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report by The California Post. The decision comes as part of the team's strategic adjustments for the game, with Jones joining a group of key players in the first unit. Alongside him in the starting five will be Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Leonard Miller, and Jalen Smith. This marks Jones' return to the starting role for the season, where he has consistently contributed to the team's performance. As a starter, Jones has averaged 13.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His ability to control the pace of the offense and defend multiple positions has made him a valuable asset to the team's roster. The inclusion of Jones in the starting lineup is expected to provide a boost to the team's overall dynamics, particularly in high-stakes games like the one against the Lakers. The report highlights the significance of Jones' role in the team's current strategy, emphasizing his impact on both ends of the court. His leadership and playmaking skills have been critical in several recent games, and his presence in the starting five is likely to influence the team's approach to the matchup. The Lakers, known for their strong defense and versatile offense, will present a challenging opponent, making Jones' contributions even more crucial. The article also notes that the team's coaching staff has made deliberate choices in selecting the starting lineup, balancing experience with emerging talent. Jones' inclusion reflects his growing importance to the team's success, as well as the coaching staff's confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.#los_angeles_lakers #the_california_post #matas_buzelis #josh_giddey #tre_jones
Collin Sexton to Start Thursday Collin Sexton is set to start for the Bulls in their game against the Suns on Thursday. The decision comes as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are sidelined, with Leonard Miller also joining Sexton in the starting lineup. The move positions Sexton as a key player to watch, particularly in deeper fantasy leagues where his performance could provide significant value. The Bulls’ coaching staff has opted for Sexton over Giddey and Buzelis, likely due to his recent form and ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game. Miller’s inclusion adds depth to the backcourt, offering versatility that could be crucial in a matchup against the Suns’ defense. Fans and analysts are closely monitoring how the duo performs, given the importance of the game in the league standings. Sexton’s role in the starting lineup highlights his importance to the Bulls’ offensive strategy. His ability to score from both inside and outside, combined with his playmaking skills, makes him a valuable asset. The Suns, meanwhile, will need to adjust their defensive approach to contain Sexton’s impact, especially with their own backcourt players unavailable. The game is expected to be a key test for the Bulls as they aim to solidify their position in the competitive Western Conference. Sexton’s performance could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome, making him a focal point for both his team and opponents. As the season progresses, his ability to maintain consistency will be critical for the Bulls’ success.#matas_buzelis #collin_sexton #bulls #suns #josh_giddey
Matas Buzelis, LeBron James, And 3 Other Underdog Player Props For Lakers vs. Bulls Matas Buzelis is positioned as a strong contender for a high-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago Bulls forward recently delivered a career-high 41 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors, continuing a trend of scoring 20 or more points in five of his last six contests. Buzelis is expected to carry this form into Thursday’s matchup, where the Lakers are allowing the 14th fewest points per game in the NBA at 114.9. His previous game against Los Angeles saw him score 31 points, further supporting the case for his over 19.5 points prop. LeBron James is another key player to watch, with the Lakers forward likely to exceed 19.5 points against the Bulls. James has consistently performed well against Chicago, scoring 24 points in their only meeting this season. The Bulls are allowing the sixth-most points per game in the NBA at 119.9, making it a favorable environment for James to reach his scoring target. His recent form, with 20 or more points in three of his last four games, adds to the confidence in his over 19.5 points prop. Josh Giddey, the Bulls’ guard, faces a challenging matchup against the Lakers’ defense, which is allowing the second fewest rebounds per game in the NBA at 49.2. Despite averaging 8.4 rebounds per game and recording nine or more in four of his last five contests, Giddey is expected to struggle against the Lakers’ frontcourt. His lone game against the Lakers saw him grab six rebounds, reinforcing the under 8.5 rebounds prop as a viable bet. Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ guard, is projected to exceed 5.5 assists against the Bulls, who are allowing the third most assists per game in the NBA at 28.4.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #chicago_bulls #matas_buzelis #golden_state_warriors
