Major update for Los Angeles Lakers ahead of Chicago Bulls game amid winter storm

Severe winter weather continues to disrupt travel across the United States, but the Los Angeles Lakers received a critical update ahead of their scheduled matchup against the Chicago Bulls. With thousands of flights canceled and dangerous conditions affecting much of the country, uncertainty surrounded whether the game at the United Center would move forward. Late Sunday, the Lakers were able to depart as their flight was cleared. As the storm lingered across multiple regions, the league monitored conditions closely, knowing that travel safety remained the priority while trying to preserve the schedule.It appears so; a major hurdle has been cleared. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin confirmed the update on social media, writing, "The Los Angeles Lakers’ plane just took off for Chicago a little past 5 p.m. CT, a team spokesperson told ESPN. One major hurdle cleared from their game against the Bulls on Monday to be played as scheduled." The departure eased fears of a late postponement as winter storms continued to ground flights elsewhere.Nearly a million people across the country remain without power, and more than 10,000 flights have been canceled nationwide. The National Weather Service warned that hazardous travel conditions and freezing temperatures could persist for several days. The Chicago Bulls enter Monday riding a four-game winning streak and sit at 23-22. They have won five straight games at home and recently knocked off Boston with a late three-pointer. Kevin Huerter said, "Hopefully it means we're building, starting to do all the right things," as Chicago continues to gain momentum.The Lakers arrive at 27-17 and fifth in the Western Conference. They are in the middle of an eight-game road trip and recently beat Dallas 116-110. LeBron James acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "That's the unknown, but that's what you hope (for), obviously. That's the unknown but you play the game. We got to now prepare ourselves for Chicago. ... So, we got to keep this road trip going."Luka Doncic remains in strong form, averaging 33.4 points this season, while Nikola Vucevic has recorded six double-doubles in his last 10 games against Los Angeles.The Lakers face the Bulls on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on Chicago Sports Network and SportsNet LA, with streaming available on Fubo. As winter weather continues to test schedules league-wide, this matchup is set to go on as planned.