The Chicago Bulls (26 - 19) took care of business against the Los Angeles Lakers (9 - 39) on Thursday in a 114 - 91 win. Chicago got off to a hot start and they never looked back after that. They took a 32 - 15 lead in the first quarter and the game never seemingly got close after that point. The defense was key for the Bulls on Thursday, as they held the Lakers to just 38 percent shooting and drew 14 turnovers in the win. Chicago also dominated the rebounding as they snatched down 51 rebounds to the Lakers 41. The shooting was a big difference as well, with the Bulls shooting 50 percent and scoring 56 points in the paint while allowing the Lakers to score just 26 paint points. The Bulls have been struggling recently, but this date with the Lakers is just what the doctor ordered. Derrick Rose didn’t have a huge game statistically with just 16 points and five assists, but he had a burst that was undeniable and a great sign for Bulls fans for the future. Jimmy Butler was once again the hero, as he tallied 26 points, five rebounds and 10 assists in the win. Pau Gasol also played great, as he amassed 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in the victory. The Bulls will look to keep this momentum going on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. This marked the Lakers 12th loss in their last 13 games and their seventh loss in their last eight games by at least 13 points. Lou Williams sat out this game with an illness and it was clear they really missed them with no Lakers player having a big night. Jordan Clarkson led the team with 16 points, but had the worst plus - minus at a - 29. Julius Randle had a solid game as well, as he scored 14 points to go along with eight rebounds. Up next for the Lakers is a date against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
["TeamStat(G,'Lakers') has 38 Percentage of field goals ,has 39 Losses ,has 91 Total points ,has 15 Points in 1st quarter ,has 41 Points in 2nd quarter ,has 14 Rebounds ,has 9 Turnovers ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Bulls') has 50 Percentage of field goals ,has 19 Losses ,has 114 Total points ,has 32 Points in 1st quarter ,has 26 Points in 2nd quarter ,has 51 Rebounds ,has 26 Turnovers ."]