While the Lakers managed to stay within striking distance throughout much of the evening, they were never able to gain the lead after the first quarter. To ensure such a thing wouldn't happen, the Bulls outscored the Lakers 30-16 in the fourth. Ultimately, it came down to the talent on the floor, and no Laker scored more than 19 points (Wesley Johnson). It was simply another illustration of what typically happens when one team has more talent on its side.
Pau Gasol, perhaps out to prove a point to his former team, led all scorers with 23 points and achieved his latest double-double with 13 rebounds. Jimmy Butler made his latest case for an All-Star selection, even if he wasn't trying to, by scoring 21 points and making all six of his free throws. Derrick Rose added 20, Aaron Brooks and Nikola Mirotic had 13 apiece and Joakim Noah totaled 12 boards.
The only reason this game was notable in any sense is because it was played on Christmas. Take the holiday away and it would just be another game with national interest. Still, the Bulls had another chance to show everyone what they're able to do against lesser teams.
Christmas is always the league's prime opportunity to market itself. No other day during the season can equal it when it comes to drawing viewers. Those who come to play will catch people's attention and the Bulls did that. Even if Carlos Boozer led the Lakers' bench with 14 points, that doesn't really matter in the great scheme of things given the result.
The Bulls will stay home Saturday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, the worst team in the NBA's best division. On paper, it doesn't appear to be a tough task. But consider who the Pelicans have to play against regularly, they'll be ready for anybody. Tom Thibodeau will let them know of that and hopefully, he won't have to try too hard to convince his players.
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