Kobe Bryant is expected to return from a sore shoulder to face Pau Gasol and the Chicago Bulls (25-19) on Thursday night at Staples Center.
Gasol helped the Lakers (9-38) win two NBA titles, but left as a free agent to the Bulls two summers ago.
The Bulls have been struggling to stay healthy this season, but are still one of the top-four teams in the Eastern Conference.
Veteran guard Lou Williams is doubtful for the Lakers because of an upper-respiratory infection.