DeRozan says he'll be ready to go when Bulls face Lakers
Back in his hometown of Los Angeles, Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan said he'll be ready to go against the Lakers on Sunday afternoon.
DeRozan left Wednesday's game against Philadelphia in the third quarter and sat out Friday in Portland due to a recurrence of the right quad strain that's bothered him for most of the season.
"I feel good," DeRozan told reporters after a practice at USC. "Everything's a go. Regular-scheduled programming. It was just really sore after those three marathons that I ran. But I'm good, got a lot of treatment these last couple days - ice, recovery. So I feel real good."
The Bulls played two double overtime games last weekend against Minnesota and Philadelphia. That meant DeRozan played a combined 140 minutes with three games in four days, which obviously took a toll.
"I just couldn't get no lift on anything (in Wednesday's rematch with the 76ers)," DeRozan said. "It just was extremely sore. I was trying to fight through it as much as I can to loosen it up, seeing if I could catch a rhythm. It just didn't give way. I didn't want to risk it, we was already down and everything."
This trip to L.A. features back-to-back games in the same arena, but with a little extra rest. After facing the Lakers on Sunday afternoon, the Bulls will play the Clippers on Monday night.
"I think I'll be fine, as long as we don't go to double or triple or quadruple overtime," DeRozan said. "I have enough time to recover, take care of myself, get treatment. I'm confident I'll be fine."
The Bulls did not list DeRozan on Sunday's injury report. Alex Caruso (foot) is questionable and Javonte Green (knee) out.
LeBron James, sidelined since Feb. 26 with a foot injury, was upgraded from out to doubtful. He may not play Sunday, but the Bulls play the Lakers again Wednesday at the United Center. Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (hip) is questionable.
This is also a potential revenge game for Bulls guard Patrick Beverley, who spent most of the season with the Lakers. On his podcast, Beverley has said his goal is to knock the Lakers out of the playoffs and his L.A. teammates wouldn't listen to his advice. The Bulls have gone 9-5 since Beverley arrived.
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