Lakers defeat Bulls without Russell, Young

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 96-90, at the United Center on Wednesday night.

The Lakers improved to 10-10 on the season. It’s the second win in their past three games for the Lakers, who were without D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young.

José Calderón (Getty Images)

The Bulls dropped to 10-7. Chicago has lost for the second time in their past three games. They’re 4-2 at home.

Young suffered a strained right calf on Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s expected to be out two-to-four weeks. Russell sat out as he recovers from left knee soreness.

The Bulls were without Doug McDermott as he continues to be in concussion protocol. He’s missed seven straight games after being injured in the Nov. 12 game when he fell on his face and caused the injury when he lost his balance.

Julius Randle led the Lakers with 13 points, while Luol Deng added 10 points. Fellow starters Timofey Mozgov, rookie Brandon Ingram and José Calderón combined for 17 points.

Los Angeles had 56 bench points. Both Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams had 18 points off the bench.

The Bulls had 22 points from Jimmy Butler. Dwyane Wade added 17, while Rajon Rondo had 14. Starters Taj Gibson and Robin Lopez combined for 21 points.

Chicago had limited bench production, as they had just 16 bench points. Nikola Mirotić led these players with six points.

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Gasol officially signs a three-year, $22 million deal with the Bulls

By Anthony Caruso III
Posted: July 14th, 2014 at 12:11 am EST

Pau Gasol signed with the Chicago Bulls yesterday. However, there was no contract details when he announced that he signed with the Bulls.

Gasol, who was also considering signing with the San Antonio Spurs, before settling on the Bulls deal, will be paid approximately $22 million over the next three years. There’s no word on whether the 34-year-old’s deal includes any team or player options.

Pau Gasol (Getty Images)

Gasol is expected to be the Bulls starting power forward with Joakim Noah as the center. Taj Gibson will move to his normal sixth-man role.

With Gasol now in the mix, will coach Tom Thibodeau stay with Gasol in close games? Last season, he went with Gibson and Noah to end games in the frontcourt.

The Bulls used much of their cap space with this addition. The 7-footer is forming the Bulls Big 3 with Noah and the often-injured Derrick Rose, as long as he can stay healthy.

He will be entering his 14th season this upcoming year. He began his first 6 1/2 years with the Memphis Grizzlies, before a mid-season trade in 2007 to send him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

He spent the past 6 1/2 years with the Lakers. He has averaged double-figures in points throughout his career. He also won two NBA Champions with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010.

The Bulls are hoping that Gasol could him the franchise win their first NBA Championship since the 1997-98 season, Michael Jordan’s final Championship.