The Lakers’ LeBron James, left, D’Angelo Russell, center, and Anthony Davis celebrate during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ LeBron James drives to the basket as the Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Lakers’ Austin Reaves, right, is fouled by the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine as Reaves drives to the basket during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine dunks during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt drives to the basket as the Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso, right, passes the ball to Nikola Vucevic as the Lakers’ Anthony Davis defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis blocks a shot by the Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan (11) during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan dunks during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers coach Darvin Ham calls out to his players during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James looks up at the scoreboard during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis shoots while under pressure from the Chicago Bulls’ Patrick Williams, right, as Nikola Vucevic also defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers star LeBron James, right, and Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley look on during the first half of their game on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley reacts after being called for a foul during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic shoots over the Lakers’ LeBron James during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ LeBron James drives to the basket as the Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, left, and LeBron James celebrate after a basket during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Dennis Schroder drives to the basket as the Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan hits his face and Patrick Williams is called for a foul during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Chicago Bulls’ Patrick Williams talks with Coach Billy Donovan during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley, left, blocks a shot by the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley , right, blocks a shot by the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James looks on during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic shoots in front of the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers coach Darvin Ham calls out to his team during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ LeBron James shoots while under pressure from the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine, left, and Patrick Beverley during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Jones Jr. celebrates his 3-point basket during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham talks with Troy Brown Jr. during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan goes up for a layup against the Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ LeBron James drives to the basket as the Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley handles the ball during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley talks with Coach Billy Donovan during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers stars Anthony Davis, left, and LeBron James look on as they head back up the court during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls’ Coby White passes the ball while under pressure from the Lakers’ Anthony Davis during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Lakers’ LeBron James posts up against the Chicago Bulls’ Patrick Beverley during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers star LeBron James looks on during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic, right, fouls the Lakers’ Anthony Davis during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell reacts to an official’s call during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis dunks during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura shoots during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic shoots between the Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, and LeBron James during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, left, has the ball knocked away by Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James gets to the basket for a layup during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots over the Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, and Austin Reaves celebrate during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James shoots over the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine, left, and Nikola Vucevic during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis grabs a rebound during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis is fouled by the Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, draws a charge against the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Jones Jr. during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan reacts during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell shoots over the Chicago Bulls’ Javonte Green (24) during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell takes a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. Davis had 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting and 10 rebounds in a 121-110 win. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James shoots over the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell gets to the basket for a layup during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ LeBron James, left, and D’Angelo Russell, right, slap hands with teammate Austin Reaves, center, during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt celebrates after a layup during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers guard Dennis Schroder shoots over the Chicago Bulls’ Coby White during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis shoots over the Chicago Bulls’ Coby White as Nikola Vucevic (9) watches during the second half on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers star Austin Reaves celebrates during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, and the Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic talk after their game on Wednesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Lakers star Anthony Davis laughs with the Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso, a former teammate, after their game on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell celebrates as he leaves the court after their victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers stars Anthony Davis, left, and LeBron James stay loose before their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James gets hyped before their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis warms up before their game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Chicago. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO — LeBron James wants to build up his stamina, and there are a few more little things he is working on.
“I think by the end of the road trip I should be pretty good,” he said.
He certainly looked pretty good Wednesday night and so did teammate Anthony Davis.
Davis had 38 points and 10 rebounds in his hometown and James had 25 points in his return to the starting lineup, leading the Lakers to a 121-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
“I always look forward to coming back home,” Davis said. “Kind of one of the first games I look at when the schedule drops. … It’s always a great feeling coming back, especially getting a win.”
James also had seven rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes in his second game back after he was sidelined for a month because of a torn tendon in his right foot. The four-time league MVP scored 19 points in Sunday’s 118-108 home loss to Chicago in just his second appearance as a reserve in his 20-year NBA career.
“I’m just trusting the work that I’ve been putting in,” James said. “I know I put in a lot of work. I know my body.”
Fighting for playoff position in the tightly packed Western Conference, the Lakers kicked off a five-game trip with their fourth win in five games overall, returning to .500 at 38-38 and sitting in eighth place. They used their league-high 38th starting lineup to get there, with Davis and James joined by D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Reaves had 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting to go with five assists and a memorable “too small” gesture on former teammate Patrick Beverley, while Russell added 17 points in his return after sitting out two games with a sore right hip.
“The No. 1 thing is we have multiple ball handlers,” James said of the latest starting group. “So no one has to feel stressed handling the ball every possession. We got shot-makers in that starting lineup. And we have a lot of length.”
Nikola Vucevic had 29 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for Chicago in its second straight loss. DeMar DeRozan (Compton High, USC) scored 22 points, and reserve Coby White had 17 points and nine assists.
The Bulls (36-40) are 10th in the Eastern Conference, clinging to the last spot for the play-in tournament.
“Obviously we didn’t close the (first) half very well. … And in the third quarter, LeBron made some tough shots and then our inability to score with them hurt us,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said.
LaVine’s dunk got Chicago within seven with 56.7 seconds left in the third. But the Lakers quickly pulled away in the final period.
Dennis Schröder’s three-point play made it 97-79 with 8:22 left, capping a 12-3 Lakers run. Davis – who was 13 for 20 from the field – connected on his only 3-point attempt with 6:07 to go, lifting the Lakers to a 105-87 lead.
The Lakers shot 52% (45 for 86) from the field.
“Just wanted to try to put them in some uncomfortable positions with their defense,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said, “and sort of spread the ball around a little bit, not overdose on any one or two actions, but just try to slowly sift through the offense and see what was bringing us the most returns.”
After leading by as many as 17 in the first quarter and then squandering all of it, the Lakers closed the first half with a 10-0 run for a 59-51 lead at the break. James made four foul shots and a driving layup during the spurt.
“We understood the assignment,” James said of the payback win. “Every road trip is huge, but because of our season and the way things have gone, this is the biggest road trip for us in this moment.”
With six games left in the regular season, the Lakers are trying to show they can be a factor in the postseason, and Davis has often been leading the way.
“It all starts with A, man,” Ham said. “Him just playing with force, him not settling, putting pressure on the defense to foul, him just loving and living in the paint.”
Davis is optimistic about what this group can do.
“We’ve got everything we need. It’s just about going out and applying it,” he said after his 16th game this season with 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds. “We can definitely make a run. We’ve got all the right pieces from top to bottom.”
FAIR PLAY
Reaves had a little fun with Beverley in the fourth quarter.
After driving into the lane and making a floater over Beverley with 2:50 left, Reaves lowered his right hand to make the dismissive “too small” gesture players sometimes use to taunt their opponents.
Beverley had done the same thing against James on Sunday.
“It wasn’t something I thought about doing all game,” Reaves said. “But I felt like right time, right situation. Me and Pat (have) a good relationship. I respect him. It’s just me competing.”
TIP-INS
Lakers: Russell started after he was sidelined for the previous two games. He went 7 for 12 from the field. … Led by Davis, the Lakers had a 45-32 rebounding advantage.
Bulls: Center Andre Drummond missed the game because of personal reasons. Drummond posted on Twitter on Tuesday that he was deleting his social media apps to focus on his mental health. … Guard Alex Caruso (left foot soreness) returned to the starting lineup after missing Monday night’s 124-112 loss to the Clippers in L.A. … Vucevic scored Chicago’s first 13 points of the game.
UP NEXT
The Lakers play at Minnesota (39-38) – the team directly in front of them in the standings – on Friday at 5 p.m. PT. The Lakers are 0-2 against the Timberwolves this season.
“I always try to come out and perform well and have this moment especially not just for me but for the family as well.” Anthony Davis is looking to take some teams out on the way to the playoffs and more. pic.twitter.com/abRKdMMqdo
“We understood the assignment… this is the biggest road trip for us at this moment.” @kingjames speaks about the importance of tonight and the road ahead. pic.twitter.com/02yxoiqvIp
“Right time, right situation… it’s just me competing.” Austin Reaves was just having fun with Pat Bev and more on @SpectrumSN. pic.twitter.com/pY6QpLjJhX
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