CHICAGO - The Chicago Bulls won their fifth straight game on Christmas Day, blowing out the Los Angeles Lakers, 113 to 93, at the United Center.
The Bulls showcased a full team effort as they had five players score in double figures. Pau Gasol led the way against his former team with a double-double, recording 23 points and 13 rebounds while Derrick Rose contributed 20 points. Jimmy Butler continued his consistent play and poured in 21.
The Los Angeles Lakers played without their aging superstar Kobe Bryant, who did not suit up due to "soreness" that he attributed to ?old age.?
Down by double digits in the opening half, the Lakers sliced the deficit to two in the third quarter, but they couldn't get over the hump. Wesley Johnson led the Lakers in scoring with 19 points.
The game marked former Bull Carlos Boozer's return to Chicago landing with the Lakers during the offseason. Boozer, who finished with 14, was booed when he first checked in and the boos continued every time he touched the ball.
The Bulls outscored the Lakers in the fourth quarter 30 to 16 to put the game away.
Chicago looks to extend their win streak to six as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night while The Lakers will go to Dallas to play the Mavericks on Friday.
Photo: Pau Gasol led the Bulls charge with 23 points as Chicago gored the L.A. Lakers at the United Center on Christmas Day, 113-93.
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