The Chicago Bulls have been flying high this season. Their new-look roster has gelled together really well, and they look set to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Things are great for the new Chicago Bulls team. Could the reason for this resurgence be them signing several former Lakers stars?
The Bulls recently signed Mac McClung to a 10-day contract, as much of their roster is depleted due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases across the NBA. McClung became the 6th former Los Angeles Lakers player to join the team, along with Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Alfonzo McKinnie, Tony Bradley, And Matthew Thomas.
Players like Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso were able to show out and lead their new squad 💯 pic.twitter.com/Tc8uBfweTp
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 22, 2021
McClung and McKinnie have been signed to the roster to cover for players that are currently in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Thomas and Bradley were signed at the start of the season in order to meet the bench requirements. Whereas Caruso and Ball were two players that the Bulls had made a priority before the start of the season.
Tony Bradley is the only player on this list to have never worn a Lakers’ jersey, as he was traded to the Utah Jazz after being drafted by them. As for McKinnie, he only spent one season in LA last year before he was waived. And Matt Thomas only played for the Lakers during a Summer League stint, and never signed with the team long-term.
Alex Caruso was the most successful player from this Lakers group. He was with the team for 3 years, and was a key part of their 2020 NBA championship run, playing excellent basketball, especially on the defensive end.
Many of these 6 players may not end the season with the Bulls, given the reasons why they were signed. But it is still interesting to note how many former Lakers’ stars are currently on the Bulls right. Perhaps as the season goes on, we may even see more former Lakers join the Bulls.
