Below is a running diary of the Lakers’ matchup against the Chicago Bulls, with comments drawn from Mike Trudell’s @LakersReporter Twitter account, to ensure you’re covered from start to finish.
First Quarter
Kobe’s first 3-point attempt swished through to put LAL up 7-4 early. Randle had a nice turnaround J over Gibson on the previous trip.
Good start for LAL’s last 2 lottery picks. Julius Randle has 8 points (4 of 7 FG’s) and D’Angelo Russell 6 points (3 of 4) with 3 dimes.
Really nice quarter for @Dloading in his first start in a while: 8 points (4 of 6 FG’s), 3 assists, 1 board, 1 steal in 12 minutes.
Second Quarter
LAL are on a 12-3 run, capped by Kobe’s 3-pointer and a Larry Nance, Jr. layup off his steal. All tied at 44 with 6:08 left in the 2nd Q.
Julius Randle continues his strong start, now 6 for 11 for 13 points plus 4 boards in 14 minutes. CHI up 55-51.
Chicago takes a 62-58 lead out of a first half that was encouraging for Russell (11 points, 4 assists) and Randle (15 points, 4 boards).
Lou Will right through the lane. #GoLakers Tune in @TWCSportsNet | @TWCDeportes | @ESPNNBAhttps://t.co/Gd91972sUb
Third Quarter
Kobe drained 4 straight shots with Dunleavy guarding him and no help coming, tying the score at 66 early in the 3rd. He’s up to 18 points.
The Bulls haven’t cooled off from 3, now a ridiculous 12 for 16 (75%) to help open a 93-81 lead. Pau has 17 and 7, Randle 20 and 10.
Things getting away from the Lakers, who were tied at 66 with 9:30 to go in the 3rd, before Chicago reeled off a 31-15 run to lead 97-81.
Fourth Quarter
Kobe (22 pts) drew a foul attempting a 3 on Dunleavy, and hit 2 of 3 (LAL just 21 of 31 tonight at the line) to make it 117-112, 2:49 left.
Pau’s up to 21 points with 7 boards, 5 assists and 4 blocks after a bucket in the paint keeps CHI up 7 w/1:39 left.
Final: Bulls 126, Lakers 115. Kobe had 22 points, his buddy Pau Gasol 21/7/5/5 for Chicago. LAL are back at it tomorrow in Milwaukee.
