Los Angeles Lakers vs Chicago Bulls: preview and player stats (Jan 2, 2027)

Reaves (heel) didn't participate in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Reaves sustained a bruised left heel in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee and is considered day-to-day, though this update is not encouraging ahead of Sunday's game against Phoenix. If the 28-year-old guard is unable to suit up, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes (finger) and Collin Sexton (head) would be candidates for increased playing time.

Grimes (finger) said he expects to return to action Sunday against the Suns, according to Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers on SI. Grimes has missed the Lakers' last two games, but it sounds as if he could return to the rotation Sunday. It's unclear whether he'd be a starter, but he'd have a chance if Austin Reaves (heel) isn't cleared. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points per game this season, but that number rises to 17.5 points per game in his two starts.

Sexton (head) was a full participant in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Sexton left Wednesday's game against Milwaukee early after bumping heads with Ryan Rollins and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead. However, Sexton escaped the incident without a concussion, and his ability to practice without restraint is a positive sign for his availability Sunday against the Suns.

Injury/Illness - Left Finger Sprain (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Smith (finger) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Minnesota. Smith is in jeopardy of missing Saturday's contest after aggravating his sprained left finger in Friday's overtime win over Atlanta. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) also questionable, the Bulls could be shorthanded in the frontcourt. If either of those guys is ruled out, Zach Collins would likely see increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Low Back Injury Management (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Powell (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Minnesota. After erupting for 33 points in 31 minutes during Friday's overtime win over the Hawks, Powell is in danger of missing the second leg of this back-to-back set due to lower-back injury management. If the veteran guard is ruled out, Buddy Hield and Tre Jones could see increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Right Metacarpal Fracture (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Wilson (hand) is expected to miss four to six weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The rookie forward went down during Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, and he now needs surgery to repair a fractured right hand. More pressure will likely fall on Josh Giddey going forward, while the likes of Tre Jones and Isaac Okoro will have a chance for added streaming value.

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Injury Management (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Claxton (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves. Claxton has averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 18.7 minutes across three games since making his season debut Sunday, but the Bulls may hold him out of Saturday's contest as he continues to manage the hamstring injury that forced him to miss Chicago's first eight games. Zach Collins could work in an expanded role if Claxton doesn't play.

Injury/Illness - Disc Irritation (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Awaka has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves. Now set to miss a third straight game due to a back injury, Awaka will aim to return during Chicago's next game against Cleveland on Monday.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN).

G League - On Assignment (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN).