Chicago grabbed the baton from the start and had the lead for a while with twelve points in the first period.
At half time, nine points differed (57-48) and those numbers diluted the away team in the second half of the match.
Not least with a nice third period.
The Bulls have missed the playoffs four years in a row, but the new build ahead of this season - with signings like DeRozan, Ball and Alex Caruso - has started surprisingly strong and is second in the Eastern Conference with ten wins in the first 14 games.
Only the Washington Wizards, another barking team, are ahead.
- Everyone can see for themselves how comfortable we are together out there.
What friendship and respect we have for each other.
The guys do a lot for each other in everyday life that people can not see, but which is still noticeable out on the field.
We play for each other and with this chemistry it is easy to play, says DeRozan at the press conference afterwards.
Lonzo Ball, in white, cheers for the Chicago Bulls.
He was noted for 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds last night.
Photo: TT
"It's entertaining"
When asked what it is like to play with the passing specialist Lonzo Ball, he answers with a laugh:
- It's funny!
Hehe.
It's entertaining.
He is exciting to look at and makes everything look so simple.
DeRozan himself has scored 30 points or more in five of the last nine matches.
- I just try to be myself and be successful every night.
I have fun with my teammates and just try to do the best I can.
Chicago's new acquisition DeMar DeRozan averages 26.9 points per game, which is the third best in the NBA behind Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
Photo: TT
LeBron missed the seventh straight
The Los Angeles Lakers managed without the superstar LeBron James (stretching in a stomach muscle) for the seventh game in a row and in his absence, Russell Westbrook or Anthony Davis did not manage to carry the team.
Instead, Talen Horton-Tucker became the top scorer in the home team with his 28, his highest record in his career.
The team is currently in seventh place in the Western Conference.
Afterwards, Westbrook was asked how the Lakers have performed without LeBron:
- We take one day at a time, that's all I can say.
We hope to get started, but we take one day at a time and hope we can turn this around.
Former Lakers crowd favorite Alex Caruso is embraced by LeBron James.
Photo: TT
The audience favorite was hailed
The former Lakers' favorite audience, "The Bald Mamba" Alex Caruso, was back at the Staples Center for the first time since moving to Chicago and was hailed with a video of the jumbo throne and a standing ovation from fans.
He was also embraced by injured LeBron James, who watched the match from the sidelines, in a long hug during a break in the first period.
Caruso offered to go down in salary to stay in the team, but was still forced to leave.
MORE BASKETBALL: This is where David Letterman comes in - the NBA star is set (September 28, 2021)
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TV legend David Letterman unexpectedly appeared at Kevin Durant's press conference ahead of the upcoming NBA basketball season.
Photo: AP