Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - The Los Angeles Lakers seek their fourth straight win when they travel to United Center to take on the Chicago Bulls.

Los Angeles has recently displayed the form that delivered three consecutive NBA titles to the Staples Center trophy case. The Lakers have won 16 of their last 19 games, most recently a 106-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Shaquille O'Neal scored 39 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Kobe Bryant added 28 points, nine assists and eight boards to the triumph.

"We are the hottest team in the league," O'Neal said. "My teammates have done a better job with the ball and I have done a better job with the ball.

"We are playing good defense and moving the ball around. We just have to get better at staying consistent."

The Lakers are currently the sixth seed in the Western Conference, percentage points ahead of the seventh-seeded Utah Jazz and 4 1/2 games behind the fifth- seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. If the regular season ended today, the Lakers would play the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. Anything can happen between now and the end of the season, but given the position of the two teams, this matchup is likely to remain in tact.

Los Angeles kicks off a four-game road trip with tonight's game. Coach Phil Jackson experienced pain from his continuing battle with kidney stones over the weekend and was uncertain if he'd be able to make the trip. Jackson did accompany his team and will be on the bench tonight against his former employer.

The Lakers are 11-16 on the road and 13-11 against teams from the Eastern Conference.

Chicago is coming off a 103-97 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and has dropped seven of its last 10 games. Jalen Rose scored 30 points and handed out 11 assists in the losing effort.

"It had nothing to do with our offense. Our offense is fine," Bulls coach Bill Cartwright said. "It has been fine all year. Turn around and guard somebody. Turn around and put your body on somebody. Play some defense. Dive on a loose ball. Take a charge. Block a shot. We are averaging 93 points a game. It is plenty."

The Bulls are 19-12 at home and have a 7-14 mark against Western Conference foes.

Los Angeles captured the first meeting of the season 86-73 at Staples Center on November 22.