After defeating the top seeded Golden State Warriors in overtime on the road on Tuesday, the Chicago Bulls crumbled against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night in double overtime, 123-118.

It was Pau Gasol’s return to Los Angeles and, as expected, he received a nice standing ovation before the game. To honor Gasol, the Lakers handed out T-Shirts that read, “Thanks Pau,” to the crowd. Also, Kobe Bryant, who just had surgery on his shoulder, made an appearance to the game to honor his former teammate.

“I didn’t expect it at all. I know he just had surgery. It was an incredible gesture on his part,” Gasol said about Bryant’s visit to the STAPLES Center.

However, Gasol’s return to L.A. wasn’t as pleasant, at least for his team. The Bulls started out the game slow, going down nine at the end of the first quarter and 11 by halftime. Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer both ignited the Lakers in the first half, scoring 11 and 14 points respectively.

The Lakers shot 58.7 percent in the first half compared to Chicago’s 45.0 percent. They also out-rebounded the Bulls, 22-12.

The third quarter was a completely different story, as the Lakers cooled down while the Bulls defense started to take charge. The Lakers shot 35 percent in the third stanza, as their lead dwindled down to four heading to the fourth quarter.

When the Bulls cut the lead down to one at the 7:52 mark, the Lakers went on an 8-0 run to extend it back to nine. The Lakers held that nine-point lead with 1:21 left in the game, as it looked like this one was over, but the Bulls’ defensive pressure was too much.

In just a minute and 21 seconds, Chicago went on a 9-0 run to tie the game and force overtime. The Lakers committed two turnovers and went 0 for 2 during that stretch.

In the first overtime, the Bulls climbed on top by five early, while the Lakers continued to miss jumpers and played sloppy. It looked like the Bulls were about to spread the game open, but the Lakers hit some crucial free throws and got a couple jump shots to go, including one from Jordan Hill that knotted the game at 106.

After Derrick Rose missed a potential game-winner, the game headed to a second overtime.

In the second overtime, it was the Lakers who jumped out on top by five, and they were able to hang on to the lead and end their nine-game losing streak.

Jordan Hill led the way with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks on 11 of 22 shooting from the field. Wayne Ellington followed a brilliant performance Tuesday night with another one tonight, as he finished with 23 points and five rebounds. Rookie Jordan Clarkson continued to impress with his play, as he scored 18 points, snatched four boards, dished out four assists, came away with two steals, and blocked two shots.

“Very happy with the way he’s playing. His progression has come a lot, probably, quicker than we all thought,” Coach Byron Scott said after the win.

The Bulls were led by Jimmy Butler’s 35 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Butler went to the line 18 times and connected on 16 of his attempts. Pau Gasol filled up the stat sheet with 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.

With the extra sessions, Tom Thibodeau played his starters heavy minutes. As always, Jimmy Butler led the way with 49 minutes. Pau Gasol notched 44 minutes, while Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah played 42 minutes apiece. For the Lakers, Wayne Ellington saw 46 minutes, Clarkson 43, and Jordan Hill 41. 

Towards the end of regulation, Rose hurt his leg but was able to come back into the game. He finished with 17 points, six assists, and four rebounds on 7 of 26 shooting. Butler also hurt himself late in the game, and there have been no updates on his condition.

Joakim Noah flirted with a triple-double, posting nine points, nine assists, and 17 rebounds.

The Lakers bench outscored the Bulls, 44-37, led by Carlos Boozer’s 16 points and eight rebounds. Ed Davis racked up 10 points and nine rebounds in just 16 minutes, while Jeremy Lin added 11 points and five assists.

The Lakers avoided a 10-game losing streak, which would have tied their franchise record. They now improve to 13-34 on the season and also end a five-game home losing streak.

The Bulls have dropped to 30-18 but still sit fourth in the East and lead the Central division by two and a half games.

Chicago continues its six game road trip in Phoenix tomorrow night, as they play host to the Suns. The Lakers will play the Knicks in New York on Super Bowl Sunday.