Bulls outlasted after gruelling back-to-back overtime games…
The Chicago Bulls continued with their inconsistency after falling to the lowly Los Angeles Lakers after 2OT on Thursday night at the Staples Center.
Pau Gasol returned to LA for the first time since leaving the Lakers last summer, and it was an emotional night for the Spaniard who spent the bulk of his career with the franchise.
Nevertheless, it was unhappy return after Jordan Hill scored 26 points while Wayne Ellington added 23 and rookie Jordan Clarkson contributed 18.
With big late baskets galore, the Lakers were able to shock their rivals despite 35 points from Jimmy Butler who matched his career-high.
Gasol added 20 points and 10 rebounds while Derrick Rose had 17 points, but the only positive from the night for the former was a video tribute before the game showing his impact as the Lakers won two NBA titles in the seven seasons he spent in Los Angeles.
The Bulls fall to 30-18 for the season while the Lakers improve to 13-34.
Elsewhere, the New York Knicks saw their winning form shut down by the Indiana Pacers in a 21-point loss as the hosts were led by Roy Hibbert who put up 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Lou Amundson had 17 points for the Knicks but with Carmelo Anthony being limited to just 18, the Knicks slipped to 9-38.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets were swarmed by the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night as they were restricted to just 69 points as Zach Randolph led the charge with a number of teammates also finishing with double-digit scoring figures.
Randolph had 15 points and 17 rebounds while Jeff Green added 13 as Denver lost for the eighth time in their last nine games.
In the other game of the night, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic on the road with Brandon Knight leading the charge with 16 points and nine assists.
NBA Results
Milwaukee Bucks 115-100 Orlando Magic
New York Knicks 82-103 Indiana Pacers
Denver Nuggets 69-99 Memphis Grizzlies
Chicago Bulls 118-123 Los Angeles Lakers (2OT)
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