Lakers Lead Summer League With Perfect 4‑0 Run

Dominant Win Over Chicago Bulls

The Los Angeles Lakers improved to a flawless 4‑0 mark in Las Vegas after a 105‑82 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Ty Abbott’s squad rode a strong third quarter, outscoring the Bulls 27‑14, to secure the win and book a spot in Saturday’s semifinals. The Lakers used an 11‑player rotation, giving each body significant minutes, while the Bulls struggled to find any rhythm, finishing 3‑for‑33 from deep.

Statistical Highlights from the Win

Chris Manon paced the offense with 16 points and six rebounds, converting 5 of 7 shots. Teammates Cameron Carr and Arthur Kaluma each posted 14 points, with Kaluma adding four assists and three rebounds from the three‑point line. On the defensive side, Adou Thiero recorded 11 points, seven rebounds and two steals, five of those boards coming on the offensive end.

Other contributors included Zhaire Smith with 11 points on 5‑of‑8 shooting, and Jon Elmore, who knocked down three of four threes for 11 points and five assists. Elmore’s late three‑pointer sent the buzzer‑beating signal, extending the Lakers’ lead to 29 points.

Team Chemistry Driving Success

Coach Abbott emphasized a collective commitment, asking players to sacrifice personal stats for team success. He praised the consistent support and practice push among the roster, noting that the bond has been the “biggest factor” in their play. The summer league squad’s unity has allowed players to step into new roles without hesitation.

Manon echoed the theme, saying his defense will be his primary weapon moving forward, and he sees All‑NBA potential on that side of the floor. The Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick, will now evaluate how these performers fit into a roster still shaping up after LeBron James’ departure.

Early shooting struggles and later domination

Both teams began cold from beyond the arc; Los Angeles shot 1‑for‑8 in the first quarter while Chicago missed all eight attempts. The Lakers recovered to lead 56‑40 at halftime and exploded with a 17‑2 run to open the third quarter. That surge, highlighted by a Carr dunk and back‑to‑back threes from Thiero and Manon, put the game well out of reach.

The Bulls never recovered, finishing with a dismal 3‑for‑33 from three‑point range. Caleb Wilson was the only Chicago scorer to break double digits, tallying 21 points on 7‑of‑15 shooting and also grabbing eight rebounds, though he also committed eight turnovers.

What This Means for the Lakers’ Future

A perfect summer league run gives the Lakers confidence heading into the regular season, especially with a fluid roster still being assembled. Players like Manon, Thiero and Kaluma have shown they can produce at a high level when given minutes, potentially earning spots on the NBA roster. The collective play Abbott highlighted suggests the team already embraces the “pride‑less basketball” Carr described, which could translate into a strong defensive identity.

If the early‑season performance carries over, the Lakers could enter the campaign with a balanced attack and a defensive backbone that supports emerging talent. The semifinal opponent will be decided soon, but Los Angeles looks ready to face anyone after displaying depth, shooting versatility and a hardened team mindset in Vegas.