Healthy start, happy Deng
John Jackson: After fighting for an offensive rebound, scoring inside and drawing a foul against a bigger player in the fourth quarter of the Bulls' dramatic comeback victory Tuesday night, Luol Deng took a couple of steps and let out a scream that would have registered high marks on the noise meters shown on the United Center scoreboard.

Rose's goal: 'I just want to be the best at my position'
John Jackson: If not for the ankle injury that hampered Derrick Rose for much of the preseason, the main topic surrounding the Bulls as they approach the season opener Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs would be how much better the second-year point guard will be this season.

Lakers remain team to beat
The economic downturn is affecting what once was thought to be the recession-proof world of pro sports. For the first time in recent memory, a host of NBA teams tailored their offseason moves to cutting payroll instead of trying to get better.

Bulls young frontcourt has potential
John Jackson: The word ''potential'' is a dangerous adjective in sports when applied to a young player. Sometimes it means that player is a future star; other times it's simply a euphemism for ''hasn't accomplished anything yet.''