Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls: Preview, Predictions, More for Christmas

Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant will square off on Christmas Day when the Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Chicago Bulls to the Staples Center.

While the Bulls surprised a lot of people last season, the Lakers will be looking to prove that they're not a team that any opposition should take lightly, despite some insinuation that the group might be over the hill.

With a lot on the line for both clubs, it should be a fun affair on Christmas Day to see the two teams go head to head, and it's going to be one game that will draw the intrigue of basketball fans around the globe.

Key Additions and Losses for Each Team

Key Additions for Bulls: Re-signed F Brian Scalabrine; Signed SG Rip Hamilton

Key Losses for Bulls: Waived G/F Keith Bogans; G/F Rasual Butler (Raptors), F/C Kurt Thomas (Trail Blazers)

Key Additions for Lakers: Signed F/C Josh McRoberts, SF Jason Kapono, PF Troy Murphy

Key Losses for Lakers: Traded F Lamar Odom (Mavericks); G Shannon Brown (Suns)

Point Guard

Battle: Derrick Rose vs. Derek Fisher

This really isn't much of a battle at all, as Rose is primed to run circles around both Fisher and backup Steve Blake throughout the contest.

The Lakers didn't do anything to upgrade an obvious area of need in the offseason, and it's possible the team might give an extended look to promising second-round pick Darius Morris at the position.

Shooting Guard

Battle: Rip Hamilton vs. Kobe Bryant

Hamilton looks like a very nice fit alongside Rose in the same backcourt, but he's going to have his hands full when he attempts to slow down a very motivated Black Mamba.

Bryant is feeling rejuvenated after undergoing surgery on his troublesome knee, and the reports have been overwhelmingly positive about the results.

With all eyes on the Lakers and Bryant, he's going to have to put his best effort forward every night for his team to stay near the top.

NOTE: With the injury to Bryant's wrist, if he's unable to give it a go on Christmas Day, Jason Kapono would likely start in his place.

Hamilton would have a much easier task, as Kapono's lateral quickness is just nonexistent at this point in his career.

Small Forward

Battle: Luol Deng vs. Matt Barnes

Deng looked rejuvenated for the Bulls last season, and he looked impressive once again during his play over the summer at the Eurobasket tournament for Great Britain.

With Lamar Odom now in Dallas, Metta World Peace has been shifted to a sixth man role, leaving the gritty Barnes, who is known for his defensive intensity, the tough task of trying to keep up with Deng on the perimeter.

Power Forward

Battle: Carlos Boozer vs. Josh McRoberts

That's right, it's going to be McRoberts as the opening-day starting power forward in Los Angeles because Andrew Bynum has a five-game suspension to start the campaign thanks to laying out J.J. Barea in the playoffs last year.

The former member of the Indiana Pacers will have a tall task ahead of him as Boozer will look to have his way with him, but McRoberts has underrated athleticism and that could pay dividends in his quest to defend Boozer.

Center

Battle: Joakim Noah vs. Pau Gasol

Bynum's suspension forces Gasol to kick to the middle and play center, and that means he's got a very interesting matchup ahead against Noah.

While Noah makes his living around the rim, Gasol will force the Chicago big man to come out to the perimeter and draw him out of the lane, and that could make things much easier for both Gasol and his teammates as it will open up some better spacing down low.

What to Watch

There will be a lot of people watching Bryant's knee and Gasol's mental state after his name was swirling in trade rumors, but Chicago is the team to watch.

After the Bulls won the most regular season games of any team last year, the club was able to upgrade its most obvious area of concern at shooting guard, and Hamilton is a very solid addition for what he brings both on and off the court.

Now that everyone on the roster is healthy and ready to contribute, this team is loaded with talent and has really impressive depth, both of which will play major factors in succeeding during a shortened season.

Prediction

It's going to be tough for the Bulls to win on the road at a Staples Center that will be brimming with energy, but that could very well be what happens.

The Lakers are missing a key contributor in Bynum, and his absence from the lineup is especially important with Mike Brown's newly installed offense as one that has his big men at the epicenter of the plans.

The Bulls have a plethora of scoring options, and it's going to be tough for the Lakers to keep up with this team on the defensive end.

Prediction: Bulls 95, Lakers 88