Bulls debut their starters in Summer League win over Lakers

LAS VEGAS — There wasn’t much mystery to the Bulls’ starting lineup in their Summer League debut Friday. As expected, coach Nate Loenser ran out Adam Mokoka and Chandler Hutchison at forward, Daniel Gafford at center, and Shaquille Harrison and Coby White at guard.

Don’t expect that to change much if all five stay healthy, with Harrison and Hutchison, in particular, tabbed to get extended minutes.

The versatile Harrison had his moments last season but spent a lot of time out of position because of injuries. Hutchison, who was selected 22nd overall in the 2018 draft, last played on Jan. 25 before missing the rest of the season with a broken toe.

That’s why the next few weeks are so important for both.

The Bulls need some depth at small forward behind Otto Porter Jr., and the hope is that Hutchison — a defensive-minded wing — can evolve into that player.

In his last game, the 6-7 Hutchison product totaled 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Bulls felt like he was just starting to get it, and that’s why the timing of the injury was such a gut-punch.

Harrison has a little bit more at stake. The backcourt is suddenly crowded, and Harrison isn’t just fighting for minutes, he’s fighting for a roster spot.

The only way that would change is if the Bulls find a suitor for Kris Dunn. But according to a Bulls source, the trade market is still very dry on Dunn.

Guess who?

The Bulls had one high-profile NBA veteran sitting courtside to watch their game with the Lakers.

Was LeBron James there to watch his newest teammates or to decide which one of them he wants traded next? Did he just want an early seat to watch Zion Williamson in the game that followed? Or was he there to keep himself occupied as his Lakers await Kawhi Leonard’s free-agent decision?

Maybe all of the above, but Leonard speculation was undoubtedly the talk of the first day in Las Vegas.