LA Lakers showed who was the better team tonight with a convincing 112-99 win over Chicago. Although not exactly a blowout, LA Lakers coach Andreas Helmle and his players outplayed Chicago from start to end. "I was hoping for a better outcome," said Chicago coach Bob during a post-game interview. "But they just overpowered us, and there was nothing we could do to adjust. Andreas Helmle's team was more talented and better-prepared, and it would have taken quite a bit of luck for us to overcome that."

The loss was tough on Chicago fans, who had expected great things from their team after some offseason moves. "I think reality is starting to sink in," said one team. "We didn't expect to see other teams outplaying us this badly, but LA Lakers sure made their point."

LA Lakers was led by Miller (24 points, 21 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Washington (8 points, 5 steals, a block), Keeney (15 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, a steal, a block). Chicago was led by Campbell (10 points, 4 steals), Joseph (21 points, 7 boards, 3 assists), Bennett (27 points, 6 boards, 0 assists, a block).

After today's victory, LA Lakers stand at 30-15 and 18-7 at home. They remain at #1 in the Pacific and remain at #3 overall in the Western Conference. Chicago drop to 18-25. They stay at #2 in the Central and stay at #9 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score LA Lakers* roster Chicago roster