NBA Betting: Kobe Bryant Looks Good in Chicago

Kobe Bryant’s 18 points was part of a balanced L.A. attack. (AI Wire photo)

Many NBA observers thought Kobe Bryant would be a Bull by now and Chicago fans must have wondered on Tuesday night how different their team’s season might be with the Black Mamba in red rather than Showtime gold.

The Lakers rode into the United Center with a surprising 14-9 mark while the Bulls have sputtered out of the gate and dropped to 8-14 as Los Angeles claimed a 103-91 victory in Chicago despite an off night by Bryant.

The Lakers covered the point spread, which favored them by 1.5, while the betting total was under 202.

Bryant scored 18 points and added six assists, but was limited because of a groin injury. Lamar Odom picked up the slack as he abused the Bulls in the post. Odom finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Sasha Vujacic came off the bench to score 19 for the Lakers.

Luol Deng, who was one of the principals thought to be headed to L.A. in exchange for Bryant, led all scorers with 26 points.

In other early NBA action on Tuesday:

Sacramento 106, New Jersey 101: Francisco Garcia hit the go-ahead three-pointer and the Kings pulled off the upset in East Rutherford, N.J. Sacramento was a 5.5-point underdog on the road. John Salmons led the way with 31 points and also assisted on Garcia’s winning shot.

For NBA odds for Wednesday, run and gun with the Bodog Sportsbook.