Coby White Solid as Bulls Rout Lakers in 2019 NBA Summer League
The Chicago Bulls kicked off the 2019 Las Vegas NBA Summer League with a 96-76 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Paradise, Nevada.
Coby White, the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, struggled early in his Summer League debut for Chicago as he missed six of his first seven shots from the field. He finished the contest with 17 points, three assists, three rebounds and two turnovers in 30 minutes.
Zach Norvell Jr. led the Lakers with 15 points.
The Bulls are hoping White will eventually form a dynamic one-two punch in the backcourt with Zach LaVine as they look to turn a corner in their rebuilding efforts after a 22-60 season.
Although his shot wasn't in top form Friday, the North Carolina product otherwise looked back close to full strength after suffering a minor ankle injury in practice earlier this week. His combination of quickness and ability to finish or create around the rim help him make an impact even when the threes aren't falling.
"I feel like the competition level will increase for sure, a tremendous amount," he told reporters after the draft. "That's what I prepare for with my work ethic and how badly I want to be a better player and my willingness to learn and get better and think the game more. I feel I'll make a smooth transition. I'm definitely prepared mentally to compete every night."
Daniel Gafford (21 points and 10 rebounds) and Shaquille Harrison (14 points, six boards and five steals) helped pick up the slack to get the Bulls in the win column on Day 1.
Meanwhile, Nick Perkins continued to impress for the Lakers. The undrafted free-agent power forward enjoyed a breakout performance Wednesday with 20 points and seven rebounds in the team's third game of the California Classic, and he kept that momentum rolling Friday.
The three-time MAC Sixth Man of the Year at Buffalo tallied 10 points, five rebounds and two steals. He's showcased the ability to stretch the defense with an outside shot and his track record of making his presence felt off the bench make him a dark-horse candidate to earn a possible two-way deal.
Norvell and Devontae Cacok (12 points and 10 rebounds) also had strong outings for L.A.
The Lakers are back in action Saturday to face off with the rival Los Angeles Clippers. The Bulls return to the floor Sunday for a clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
