When playing the Lakers, holding Kobe Bryant down is always a good idea. The Bulls did that, double-teaming Kobe and holding him to 20 points, under his 25.3 per game average.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, Chicago native Shannon Brown and Lamar Odom both had 21 points and the Lakers went on a 17-2 run early in the fourth quarter, at one point leading by 13, before the Bulls made the final score more respectable.
The Bulls at least showed they can stay with the defending champs, who are tough to beat anywhere, but especially on their home floor. Derrick Rose impressed the LA crowd with 30 points, and Joakim Noah put together his ninth double-double in 12 games this season with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Taj Gibson, who was able to play despite worries over a pinched nerve in his foot, also contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulls will face the Suns in Phoenix tonight.