Here are five observations from the Bulls' 96-76 victory over the Lakers in their Summer League opener.
1. Daniel Gafford lives around the rim, posts massive line
Just about the only silver lining from the announcement of Wendell Carter’s core muscle surgery was that it gave second-round pick Daniel Gafford an extended role at Summer League. And Gafford wasted no time taking advantage of that increased role, putting together a remarkable line of 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks in 29 minutes.
He made 9 of 10 field goals – all nine makes were in the restricted area and his only miss came outside of it – as the Bulls did a stellar job finding him on pick-and-rolls, baseline cuts and the like.