Bulls-Lakers Preview

By TAYLOR BECHTOLD
Posted Mar 10 2013 12:18AM

With Kobe Bryant playing at a historic level, the Los Angeles Lakers are closing in on a playoff spot.

The Lakers will try to continue their recent surge on Sunday when they host the Chicago Bulls, who are still waiting on Derrick Rose to make his season debut.

After losing 10 of 12 in January, Los Angeles was a season-worst eight games below .500 and its playoff chances seemed remote. Instead, the Lakers (32-31) have won 15 of 21 after their 118-116 overtime victory over Toronto on Friday.

Now Los Angeles has an opportunity to move ahead of sinking Utah into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with its sixth straight home win.

The Lakers also appear to be catching the banged-up Bulls at an opportune time. Richard Hamilton (back) was not expected to make the trip, while Kirk Hinrich (foot) and Taj Gibson (sprained MCL) will be game-time decisions.

Despite reports that Rose's doctor has cleared him to play, coach Tom Thibodeau said on Friday that Rose is "not quite" ready to make his debut. The 2011 NBA MVP continues to practice without restrictions, but his return from a torn ACL in his left knee remains uncertain.

"He's been cleared to do everything there is," Thibodeau said. "Before he makes the final step, everyone has to get together and sign off. That hasn't happened yet. The most important part of this is that we have to trust Derrick, and I trust him."

Even if Rose remains out, Bryant should have plenty of motivation. The All-Star guard had just 16 points on 7-of-22 shooting in a 95-83 loss at Chicago on Jan. 21. After the game, Jimmy Butler - the Bulls' primary defender on Bryant - was referred to by the local media as "The Kobe Stopper" for his efforts.

Butler, however, may have his hands full this time. After finishing with 42 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a win at New Orleans on Wednesday, Bryant had 41, 12 and six against the Raptors.

He's the first player to record back-to-back games with at least 40 points, 12 assists and six boards since Michael Jordan pulled off the feat April 9-13, 1989.

"I know I have the energy and the determination (to keep this going)," Bryant said. "Anybody that I line up against on any given night, I don't think they're going to be able to out-will me."

Bryant ranks third in the NBA at 27.8 points per game, but has averaged just 21.0 on 41.8 percent shooting in his last six home games in this series.

Dwight Howard, though, could be more of a factor after totaling 44 points and 28 rebounds in his last two games. He had eight and nine, respectively, the first meeting.

The Lakers have averaged 109.0 points - 6.3 above their season average - while shooting 48.1 percent over their last nine contests.

They'll try to keep it going against a highly ranked Chicago defense that held them to 39.5 percent shooting and 3 for 17 from 3-point range in its January win.

Carlos Boozer and Marco Belinelli combined for 44 points as the short-handed Bulls (35-27) snapped a two-game skid with an 89-88 victory over Utah on Friday. Belinelli, who hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 5.9 seconds left on Friday, has averaged 21.0 points and made 10 of 15 from beyond the arc in his last three games.

The Bulls have won three straight overall in this series.

Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Howard leads Lakers over Bulls 90-81

By JOE HAAKENSON
Posted Mar 10 2013 8:13PM

LOS ANGELES (AP) Kobe Bryant was asked what it felt like to be a "playoff team," his Lakers having just moved into the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference after a 90-81 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

Bryant, who had 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, let out a less-than-enthusiastic "yippee."

The win improved the Lakers to 33-31, the first time they've been two games over .500 all season. They are one-half game ahead of Utah for the final playoff spot. And while the Lakers may feel a sense of accomplishment in reaching playoff position after such a poor start to the season, Bryant is quick to note there is plenty still left to do.

"We're very focused," Bryant said. "We know what we have to do and what lies ahead. Everybody's locked in."

That would include Lakers center Dwight Howard, who is playing more like the player the Lakers hoped they were getting when he was acquired in a trade with Orlando. Howard scored 16 points on 8 of 14 shooting, blocked four shots and grabbed 21 rebounds, the fourth time this season he's had 20 or more rebounds.

"I think I am getting a little bit better," said Howard, who was 0 for 5 from the free throw line. "I'm just going to keep working on my conditioning, get my timing back and just keep going hard."

The Lakers, who have won eight of 10 since the All-Star break, led by four points at halftime. But point guard Steve Nash keyed a 21-7 third-quarter spurt that put the Lakers up by as many as 18 points. Nash scored 10 of his 16 points in the third quarter.

"We have to try to climb higher," Nash said. "This team is far from a finished product, so we have to improve every night. Get tighter on both ends of the floor. The more we play together the better we should be and the more we should learn how to play together.

"What is the point of getting to the playoffs if you hold tight and this is a finished product? We need to try to improve while we solidify a playoff spot and be a better team, and hopefully a tougher team to compete with in the playoffs."

The Lakers led almost throughout, only briefly falling behind by two points in the second quarter.

Metta World Peace (12 points), Earl Clark (11 points) and Jodie Meeks (10 points) all scored in double figures for the Lakers.

Nate Robinson led the Bulls with 19 points, Joakim Noah had 18 points and 17 rebounds and Carlos Boozer had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago.

Bryant was scoreless in the first quarter and had just six points at halftime, but the Lakers maintained a lead behind Howard's play in the paint.

"I thought Howard in particular in the first half set the tone," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He just dominated the paint with shot-blocking, rebounding, physicality. That set the tone for the game and they dominated us on the boards from the start. Kobe came out as a playmaker so they played well."

The Lakers finished the third quarter with a 73-61 lead when Clark took a pass from Bryant and made a jumper at the buzzer. The Bulls got within eight points on a basket by Boozer with 8:02 left, but got no closer the rest of the way.

Bryant missed all three shots in the first quarter, going scoreless in the opening 12 minutes. World Peace was cold as well, missing four open 3-pointers, but the Lakers held an early lead thanks to Howard's efforts down low. Howard was 3 of 3 from the field for six points and grabbed seven rebounds.

"Dwight is just feeling better," Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said. "You can see it all over the place. His back is better, he's in rhythm, whatever it is he's a monster defensively."

Bryant finally got into the scoring column on a jumper in the lane with 7:15 left until halftime, then quickly hit another outside shot less than a minute later. But the Lakers couldn't shake the Bulls, who pulled to within 34-32 on a layup by Robinson, Howard picking up his third foul on the play.

Howard remained in the game but the Bulls briefly pulled ahead, going up 36-34 on a basket by Carlos Boozer.

The Lakers regained the lead shortly thereafter on a 3-pointer by Jodie Meeks, and led 44-40 at the half, but not without a little drama. After World Peace was called for a foul on an illegal screen, denying Bryant a chance to take the final shot of the half, Bryant and World Peace barked at each other as they made their way up the court. Nash got between the two to calm them down.

NOTES: Lakers forward Pau Gasol (foot injury; torn plantar fascia) remains on track to return before the end of the regular season. "Gasol is coming on," Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It's five weeks on Tuesday, and they said six to eight weeks, so hopefully that's the case. If there are no setbacks, he should be back." ... Bulls guard Derrick Rose, recovering from surgery on his left knee last May, is close to returning. But coach Tom Thibodeau said he can't look ahead to how the team will adjust with Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, back on the floor. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Thibodeau said. "For us right now, the guys that are playing, they have to concentrate on their improvement and our next opponent. Derrick has to concentrate on his rehab."

Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Notebook: Lakers 90, Bulls 81

Dan Arritt, for NBA.com
Posted Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:22 PM - Updated Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:22 PM

THE FACTS: What seemed like a faraway destination just six weeks ago became reality for the Lakers on Sunday afternoon. They completed their climb back into the top eight in the Western Conference with a 90-81 victory against the visiting Bulls at Staples Center, getting 16 points and 21 rebounds from Dwight Howard and double-digit scoring from the rest of the L.A. starters.

QUOTABLE: "We are playing a lot better, and we're playing the way we're supposed to. Now do we have a long way to go? Yes we do."
-- Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni.

THE STAT: The Lakers collected a season-best 19 offensive rebounds, but the Bulls weren't bad on the offensive glass either, taking 18 for themselves. Chicago turned their offensive rebounds into 23 second-chance points, while the Lakers finished with 20. Bulls forward Joakim Noah matched his season high with 10 offensive rebounds, pulling down 17 in all. Howard recorded at least 20 rebounds for the 62nd time in his career, which is more than any two players combined.

QUOTABLE II: "[Howard] just dominated the paint with shot blocking, rebounding, physicality. That set the tone for the game and they dominated us on the boards from the start."
-- Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

TURNING POINT: The Bulls scored six consecutive points late in the second quarter to take their only lead of the game, 36-34. The Lakers went back up by four at the half and then applied more defensive pressure in the third quarter. Chicago missed 11 straight field-goal attempts during a 12-0 run by the Lakers that put them ahead, 65-47, with 4:05 left in the quarter. The Bulls got back within eight with 8:02 remaining in the game but then went scoreless for nearly four minutes, allowing the Lakers to regain control.

HOT: Since the All Star break, Lakers point guard Steve Nash was shooting 57.8 percent from the floor in the second half, including 60 percent in the third quarter. He continued that trend against the Bulls, shooting 4-for-6 from the floor in the third and scoring 10 of his 16 points to help the Lakers extend their lead from four to 12 points.

NOT: The Lakers missed their first 11 attempts from 3-point range before finishing 5-for-26 from beyond the arc. L.A. forward Metta World Peace was 0-for-6 from long distance, most coming on wide-open looks. Howard missed all five of his free-throw attempts, including one that didn't draw iron. The Bulls were cold across the board, shooting 37.1 percent from the field for the game.

GOOD MOVE: The leash has gotten quite short for Lakers starting forward Earl Clark, and coach D'Antoni didn't hesitate to yank him from the game midway through the opening quarter after his 3-point attempt barely nicked the front of the rim. The message seemed to get through as Clark drained a 3-pointer to close out the first half and hit a pull-up jumper at the third-quarter buzzer before finishing with 11 points in 23 minutes.

BAD MOVE: Howard picked up his third foul with 5:09 left in the second quarter but D'Antoni elected to keep him on the floor for another 2 ½ minutes. Howard didn't play any defense or contest any shots during that stretch, enabling the Bulls to twice score inside and take their only lead of the game.

NOTABLE: After combining for 83 points and 24 assists in the last two games, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant finished with 19 points and nine assists. ... The Lakers are two games above .500 for the first time this season. ... Chicago back-up forward Taj Gibson missed his seventh consecutive game with a left knee injury and reserve guard Kirk Hinrich missed his fourth straight with a right foot ailment.

UP NEXT: For the Lakers, Tuesday @ Orlando, Wednesday @ Atlanta, Friday @ Indiana. For the Bulls, Wednesday @ Sacramento, Friday @ Golden State, Monday vs. Denver.

• Bulls: Gibson, Hamilton, Rose
• Lakers: Hill

• Bulls: --
• Lakers: --

• Lead Changes: 2
• Times Tied: 4

• Arena: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
• Officials: #41 Ken Mauer, #38 Michael Smith, #66 Haywoode Workman
• Attendance: 18997
• Duration: 2:20

Chicago Bulls (35-28)		Los Angeles Lakers (33-31)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Howard vs Noah (Robinson gains possession)
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed Block: Howard (1 BLK)	11:40
	11:36	Howard Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:26 [LAL 2-0]	Nash Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Deng Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Robinson (1 AST)	11:11 [CHI 2-2]
	10:54	Howard Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Noah (1 ST)
Robinson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	10:46
	10:32	Bryant Layup Shot: Missed
	10:31	Howard Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	10:31 [LAL 4-2]	Howard Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Boozer Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (1 FTA)	10:31
	10:31	Howard Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Deng Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:29
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	10:15
	10:13	Clark Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:04 [LAL 6-2]	Clark Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Bryant (1 AST)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Robinson (2 AST)	09:49 [CHI 4-6]
	09:39 [LAL 8-4]	Howard Driving Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bryant (2 AST)
Team Timeout : Short	09:31
Robinson Floating Jump shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:19 [CHI 6-8]
	09:02 [LAL 10-6]	World Peace Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Deng Jump Shot: Missed	08:44
	08:43	Team Rebound
	08:26	Clark Jump Shot: Missed Block: Noah (1 BLK)
	08:23	Clark Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	08:22	Clark Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Robinson (1 ST)
	08:22	Nash Foul: Personal Take (1 PF)
Robinson Jump Shot: Missed	08:17
	08:16	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:12	Howard Foul: Offensive (1 PF)
	08:12	Howard Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
Deng Hook Shot: Missed	07:54
Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	07:51
Noah Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)	07:51 [CHI 8-10]
	07:42 [LAL 12-8]	Nash Pullup Jump shot: Made (4 PTS)
Deng Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	07:15
	07:00	Clark 3pt Shot: Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	06:59
Boozer Running Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Robinson (3 AST)	06:48 [CHI 10-12]
	06:33	Clark Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:31
	06:20	Clark Substitution replaced by Meeks
Noah Jump Shot: Missed	06:17
	06:15	Howard Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	06:06	World Peace 3pt Shot: Missed
	06:04	Howard Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
Noah Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)	06:04
	06:04	Howard Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	06:04	Team Rebound
	06:04	Howard Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Deng Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:03
Deng Jump Shot: Missed	05:44
	05:43	Howard Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	05:36	Bryant 3pt Shot: Missed
	05:35	Howard Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	05:33 [LAL 14-10]	Howard Hook Bank Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Noah Jump Shot: Missed	05:12
	05:11	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:04	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Deng Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	05:02
Robinson Step Back Jump shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Noah (1 AST)	04:44 [CHI 12-14]
	04:18	World Peace 3pt Shot: Missed
Belinelli Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	04:17
Noah Jump Shot: Missed	04:01
	04:00	Howard Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	03:47	World Peace 3pt Shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	03:46
Noah Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:World Peace (1 ST)	03:35
	03:23	World Peace 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	03:22
	03:21	Team Timeout : Regular
	03:21	Nash Substitution replaced by Blake
	03:21	World Peace Substitution replaced by Jamison
	03:21	Howard Substitution replaced by Clark
	03:03	Clark Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Boozer Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	03:03 [CHI 13-14]
Boozer Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	03:03 [CHI 14-14]
	02:47	Meeks 3pt Shot: Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	02:46
Boozer Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Bryant (1 ST)	02:38
Robinson Foul: Personal Take (1 PF)	02:38
Team Timeout : Regular	02:38
Boozer Substitution replaced by Butler	02:38
	02:20 [LAL 16-14]	Jamison Floating Jump shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Blake (1 AST)
Belinelli 3pt Shot: Missed	01:55
	01:54	Clark Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	01:41	Clark Jump Shot: Missed
	01:40	Jamison Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
Robinson Foul: Personal (2 PF)	01:31
Robinson Substitution replaced by Teague	01:31
	01:25	Blake Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Deng (1 ST)
Butler 3pt Shot: Missed	01:02
	01:01	Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	00:50.8 [LAL 18-14]	Meeks Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Blake (2 AST)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	00:38.9
	00:37.7	Meeks Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	00:31.0 [LAL 20-14]	Jamison Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Blake (3 AST)
	00:12.0	Bryant Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Noah Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	00:12.0 [CHI 15-20]
Noah Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	00:12.0 [CHI 16-20]
	00:01.6	Clark 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 1st Quarter
Chicago Bulls (35-28)		Los Angeles Lakers (33-31)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Mohammed Foul: Personal (1 PF)	11:49
	11:38 [LAL 22-16]	World Peace Step Back Jump shot: Made (4 PTS)
Belinelli Driving Layup Shot: Missed	11:23
	11:22	Team Rebound
	11:02	Jamison 3pt Shot: Missed
Belinelli Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:00
Teague Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	10:40
	10:33	Howard Foul: Offensive (2 PF)
	10:33	Howard Turnover : Foul (3 TO)
Mohammed Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Butler (1 AST)	10:17 [CHI 18-22]
	10:17	Jamison Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (1 FTA)
Teague Substitution replaced by Robinson	10:17
Mohammed Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)	10:17 [CHI 19-22]
	10:05	Jamison Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Belinelli (1 ST)
Belinelli Layup Shot: Missed Block: Meeks (1 BLK)	10:02
Team Rebound	10:02
Belinelli Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)	09:54 [CHI 21-22]
	09:39	Howard Layup Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	09:38
Mohammed Jump Shot: Missed	09:29
	09:27	Howard Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)
	09:19 [LAL 24-21]	Howard Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Blake (4 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	09:15
	09:15	Meeks Substitution replaced by Nash
Boozer Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)	09:09
	08:54	Howard Layup Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	08:53
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	08:37
	08:35	Howard Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)
	08:28	Blake Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Belinelli (2 ST)
Robinson Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Belinelli (1 AST)	08:23 [CHI 23-24]
Mohammed Foul: Personal (2 PF)	08:14
	08:05 [LAL 26-23]	World Peace Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Nash (1 AST)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Robinson (4 AST)	07:47 [CHI 25-26]
	07:36	Nash Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Robinson (2 ST)
Butler Jump Shot: Missed Block: World Peace (1 BLK)	07:33
	07:33	Blake Substitution replaced by Bryant
	07:33	Team Rebound
	07:33	Jump Ball World Peace vs Butler (Bryant gains possession)
	07:15 [LAL 28-25]	Bryant Fadeaway Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Mohammed Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Belinelli (2 AST)	06:56 [CHI 27-28]
	06:39 [LAL 30-27]	Bryant Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	06:14
	06:13	World Peace Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Mohammed Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (2 FTA)	06:02
	06:02 [LAL 31-27]	Nash Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
Mohammed Substitution replaced by Noah	06:02
Butler Substitution replaced by Deng	06:02
	06:02 [LAL 32-27]	Nash Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Robinson 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS)	05:50 [CHI 30-32]
	05:26	Bryant 3pt Shot: Missed
	05:24	Howard Rebound (Off:4 Def:6)
	05:24	Howard Tip Shot: Missed
	05:23	World Peace Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	05:23	World Peace Tip Shot: Missed
	05:21	Jamison Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)
	05:21 [LAL 34-30]	Jamison Tip Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Robinson Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS)	05:10 [CHI 32-34]
	05:10	Howard Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (1 FTA)
	05:10
	05:10	Jamison Substitution replaced by Meeks
Boozer Turnover : Lane Violation (3 TO)	05:10
	05:00	Nash Jump Shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	04:58
Deng 3pt Shot: Missed	04:52
Noah Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	04:51
Deng Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Noah (2 AST)	04:49 [CHI 34-34]
	04:36	World Peace 3pt Shot: Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	04:35
Boozer Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Robinson (5 AST)	04:26 [CHI 36-34]
	04:11	Howard Hook Shot: Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	04:09
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	04:04
	04:03	Howard Rebound (Off:4 Def:7)
Deng Foul: Personal (1 PF)	03:50
	03:34 [LAL 36-36]	Bryant Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Nash (2 AST)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	03:20
Noah Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	03:19
Noah Tip Shot: Missed	03:19
	03:15	Nash Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	03:13 [LAL 39-36]	Meeks 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Nash (3 AST)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	02:54
Noah Rebound (Off:4 Def:4)	02:52
	02:51	Team Timeout : Regular
	02:51	Howard Substitution replaced by Clark
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	02:41
	02:39	World Peace Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	02:27	Meeks 3pt Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	02:25
Noah Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Belinelli (3 AST)	02:13 [CHI 38-39]
	01:55	Bryant 3pt Shot: Missed
	01:54	World Peace Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	01:39	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed Block: Noah (2 BLK)
	01:36	Meeks Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	01:35 [LAL 41-38]	Meeks Driving Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	01:10
	01:08	Meeks Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	00:54.9	Meeks 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:51.9	Meeks Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	00:48.1 [LAL 44-38]	Clark 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Meeks (1 AST)
Belinelli Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Meeks (1 ST)	00:34.8
	00:26.9	Meeks Layup Shot: Missed
	00:24.9	Nash Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	00:11.2	World Peace Foul: Offensive (1 PF)
	00:11.2	World Peace Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
	00:05.2	Nash Foul: Personal Take (2 PF)
Robinson Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Noah (3 AST)	00:00.3 [CHI 40-44]
	00:00.0	Clark 3pt Shot: Missed Block: Noah (3 BLK)
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 2nd Quarter
Chicago Bulls (35-28)		Los Angeles Lakers (33-31)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
	11:39 [LAL 46-40]	Bryant Running Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Deng Jump Shot: Missed	11:23
	11:21	Howard Rebound (Off:4 Def:8)
	11:14	Nash 3pt Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	11:12
Noah Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Boozer (1 AST)	10:50 [CHI 42-46]
Noah Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (2 FTA)	10:35
	10:35	Howard Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	10:35	Team Rebound
	10:35	Howard Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
	10:33	Howard Rebound (Off:5 Def:8)
	10:14 [LAL 49-42]	Nash 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Bryant (3 AST)
Deng Running Hook Shot: Made (6 PTS)	09:47 [CHI 44-49]
	09:30 [LAL 51-44]	Nash Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS)
	09:11	Nash Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (2 FTA)
Robinson Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	09:11
Team Rebound	09:11
Robinson Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)	09:11 [CHI 45-51]
	08:58 [LAL 53-45]	Nash Turnaround Fadeaway shot: Made (13 PTS)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	08:39
	08:38	World Peace Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	08:22	Bryant Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Boozer Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Belinelli (4 AST)	08:12 [CHI 47-53]
Robinson Foul: Personal (3 PF)	08:02
Boozer Foul: Defense 3 Second (1 PF)	07:53
	07:53 [LAL 54-47]	Nash Free Throw Technical (14 PTS)
	07:45	Clark 3pt Shot: Missed
	07:43	Howard Rebound (Off:6 Def:8)
	07:43	Howard Tip Shot: Missed
	07:40	World Peace Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	07:38	World Peace Jump Shot: Missed
	07:35	Clark Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	07:35 [LAL 56-47]	Clark Tip Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	07:20
Noah Rebound (Off:5 Def:4)	07:16
Noah Illegal Screen Turnover : (2 TO)	07:14
	07:03 [LAL 58-47]	Nash Running Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS)
Deng Layup Shot: Missed Block: Howard (2 BLK)	06:46
Team Rebound	06:46
Robinson Jump Shot: Missed	06:41
	06:40	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	06:33	World Peace 3pt Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	06:29
Deng 3pt Shot: Missed	06:24
Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:4)	06:23
Belinelli Jump Shot: Missed	06:17
	06:14	Howard Rebound (Off:6 Def:9)
Deng Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (2 FTA)	06:02
	06:02 [LAL 59-47]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
Belinelli Substitution replaced by Butler	06:02
	06:02	Clark Substitution replaced by Meeks
	06:02	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:5)	06:01
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	05:49
	05:48	Howard Rebound (Off:6 Def:10)
	05:26	World Peace Jump Shot: Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:6)	05:25
Boozer Fadeaway Jump Shot: Missed	05:14
	05:13	Howard Rebound (Off:6 Def:11)
Deng Foul: Personal (3 PF)	05:01
	05:01	Team Timeout : Regular
	04:52 [LAL 62-47]	Bryant 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Nash (4 AST)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed Block: World Peace (2 BLK)	04:25
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	04:23
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	04:22
Deng Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	04:21
Deng Tip Shot: Missed	04:20
	04:19	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	04:05 [LAL 65-47]	Meeks 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Howard (1 AST)
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed	03:47
Noah Rebound (Off:7 Def:6)	03:45
Noah Tip Shot: Made (10 PTS)	03:45 [CHI 49-65]
	03:34	Nash Jump Shot: Missed
Butler Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	03:33
Butler 3pt Shot: Missed	03:16
Noah Rebound (Off:8 Def:6)	03:15
	03:15	Howard Foul: Shooting (4 PF) (2 FTA)
Noah Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)	03:15 [CHI 50-65]
	03:15	Howard Substitution replaced by Clark
Noah Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	03:15 [CHI 51-65]
	03:01	Clark Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
	02:52	Bryant Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (2 FTA)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:52
	02:52	Nash Substitution replaced by Blake
Boozer Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)	02:52 [CHI 52-65]
Boozer Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)	02:52 [CHI 53-65]
	02:33	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Butler Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	02:31
Butler Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	02:22 [CHI 55-65]
	02:08	Bryant Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Robinson (3 ST)
	02:04	Clark Substitution replaced by Jamison
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed	01:56
	01:55	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	01:44 [LAL 67-55]	World Peace Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Bryant (4 AST)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed Block: World Peace (3 BLK)	01:19
	01:16	Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Boozer Foul: Personal (2 PF) (2 FTA)	01:12
	01:12 [LAL 68-55]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)
Boozer Substitution replaced by Mohammed	01:12
	01:12 [LAL 69-55]	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)
Deng Jump Shot: Missed	00:53.6
Deng Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	00:53.6
Deng Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	00:53.6 [CHI 57-69]
	00:53.6	World Peace Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (1 FTA)
	00:53.6	World Peace Substitution replaced by Clark
Noah Substitution replaced by Belinelli	00:53.6
Deng Free Throw 1 of 1 (9 PTS)	00:53.6 [CHI 58-69]
	00:31.7	Clark Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Mohammed (1 BLK)
	00:28.8	Clark Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	00:28.8 [LAL 71-58]	Clark Dunk Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Robinson 3pt Shot: Made (17 PTS)	00:17.0 [CHI 61-71]
	00:01.1 [LAL 73-61]	Clark Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Bryant (5 AST)
End of 3rd Quarter
Chicago Bulls (35-28)		Los Angeles Lakers (33-31)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
Belinelli Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)	11:43
	11:28	Meeks 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	11:26
Robinson Driving Layup Shot: Made (19 PTS)	11:13 [CHI 63-73]
	11:02 [LAL 75-63]	Howard Alley Oop Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Blake (5 AST)
Deng Hook Shot: Missed	10:40
	10:37	Howard Rebound (Off:6 Def:12)
	10:27 [LAL 77-63]	Howard Hook Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Jamison (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	10:18
Deng Substitution replaced by Boozer	10:18
Mohammed Substitution replaced by Noah	10:18
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	10:04
Noah Rebound (Off:9 Def:6)	10:02
Noah Tip Shot: Made (14 PTS)	10:02 [CHI 65-77]
	09:43	Jamison 3pt Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	09:41
Butler Jump Shot: Missed	09:27
Boozer Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)	09:26
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	09:18
Butler Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	09:16
	09:14	Clark Substitution replaced by World Peace
Belinelli Driving Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	09:08 [CHI 67-77]
	08:46	Meeks 3pt Shot: Missed
Butler Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	08:45
Boozer Fadeaway Jump Shot: Missed	08:27
	08:24	Howard Rebound (Off:6 Def:13)
	08:12	Jamison Jump Shot: Missed
	08:10	Howard Rebound (Off:7 Def:13)
	08:10	Howard Tip Shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	08:07
Butler Layup Shot: Missed Block: Howard (3 BLK)	08:04
Boozer Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	08:02
Boozer Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)	08:02 [CHI 69-77]
	08:02	Team Timeout : Regular
	08:02	Meeks Substitution replaced by Bryant
	07:39	Blake Turnaround Fadeaway shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)	07:39
	07:39	Jamison Foul: Loose Ball (2 PF)
Butler Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Missed	07:20
	07:20	Team Rebound
Noah Foul: Personal (3 PF)	07:05
	07:05	Blake Substitution replaced by Nash
	06:53	Jamison Jump Shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	06:51
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed Block: World Peace (4 BLK)	06:38
	06:36	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
Robinson Foul: Shooting (4 PF) (2 FTA)	06:33
	06:33 [LAL 78-69]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)
	06:33	Jamison Substitution replaced by Meeks
Robinson Substitution replaced by Deng	06:33
	06:33	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Deng Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	06:30
Noah Jump Shot: Missed	06:16
	06:15	Howard Rebound (Off:7 Def:14)
	05:49	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Noah Rebound (Off:9 Def:7)	05:48
Belinelli Foul: Offensive Charge (1 PF)	05:33
Belinelli Turnover : Foul (3 TO)	05:33
	05:17 [LAL 80-69]	Howard Alley Oop Layup shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Bryant (6 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	05:11
Butler Substitution replaced by Robinson	05:11
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	05:02
Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	05:00
Deng Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Bryant (2 ST)	04:56
Boozer Foul: Personal (3 PF)	04:45
	04:32 [LAL 82-69]	World Peace Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Bryant (7 AST)
Robinson Jump Shot: Missed	04:11
Deng Rebound (Off:4 Def:4)	04:09
Deng Tip Shot: Made (11 PTS)	04:09 [CHI 71-82]
	03:49 [LAL 84-71]	Howard Dunk Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Bryant (8 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	03:49
Deng 3pt Shot: Missed	03:33
	03:31	World Peace Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	03:16 [LAL 86-71]	World Peace Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Bryant (9 AST)
Noah Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Robinson (6 AST)	03:02 [CHI 73-86]
	02:42 [LAL 88-73]	Bryant Fadeaway Jump Shot: Made (17 PTS)
	02:27	Meeks Foul: Personal (1 PF)
Boozer Substitution replaced by Butler	02:27
Butler 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Robinson (7 AST)	02:19 [CHI 76-88]
	02:01	Bryant Layup Shot: Missed
	01:58	Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	01:39 [LAL 90-76]	Bryant Driving Layup Shot: Made (19 PTS)
Robinson Jump Shot: Missed	01:23
Noah Rebound (Off:10 Def:7)	01:22
Noah Layup Shot: Made (18 PTS)	01:22 [CHI 78-90]
	01:06	World Peace Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Robinson (4 ST)
	00:59.5	World Peace Foul: Personal (3 PF)
Belinelli 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Robinson (8 AST)	00:53.4 [CHI 81-90]
Deng Violation:Kicked Ball	00:48.7
	00:26.9	World Peace Fadeaway Jump Shot: Missed
Butler Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	00:23.9
Robinson Jump Shot: Missed Block: Howard (4 BLK)	00:18.7
Team Rebound	00:18.7
Noah Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:Howard (1 ST)	00:12.9
End of 4th Quarter