The Los Angeles Lakers have a three-game winning streak and have won six of their last seven games, and there are signs that they’re turning the corner. Of course, they have been in this position before this season, only to then suffer through an extended slump.
They’re in the midst of a challenging stretch of games, but they will get a temporary respite when they face the 27-38 Chicago Bulls at home on Thursday. The Lakers have won each of their last three games without LeBron James, who has been nursing an elbow ailment, left foot arthritis and a hip contusion.
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James is again listed as questionable, as is backup big man Maxi Kleber. Center Jaxson Hayes, who didn’t play in Tuesday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, is probable with back soreness, and key veteran guard Marcus Smart is doubtful due to a hip contusion of his own.
After Thursday, the Lakers’ gauntlet will continue with a game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday and two road games versus the Houston Rockets on Monday and Wednesday of next week. Those matchups with Houston will start a six-game road trip that includes contests against the pesky Miami Heat and a Detroit Pistons team that is looking like a contender.
Los Angeles currently has a 40-25 record and is in fourth place in the Western Conference.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Injury report for LeBron James, Lakers versus Bulls on Thursday