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Bulls take out struggling Lakers

Jan 22, 2013 - 6:59 AM Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Kirk Hinrich led six Bulls players in double figures with 22 points to go with eight assists and seven rebounds, as the Chicago Bulls pulled away from the punchless Los Angeles Lakers, 95-83, at United Center.

Marco Belinelli scored 15 points, including two key 3-pointers during a late 18-4 run that put the game away. Jimmy Butler, starting for the second straight game in place of the injured Luol Deng, recorded 10 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls, who have won four of their last five.

Carlos Boozer (14 points), Richard Hamilton (13) and Nate Robinson (11) rounded out Chicago's leading scorers.

"Everyone played well. Everyone was part of this win," Butler said.

Steve Nash paced Los Angeles with 18 points and six assists, while Kobe Bryant was held to 16 points to end a string of 24 straight games of 20-plus points.

The Lakers have dropped three in a row overall and six straight on the road for the first time since the 2004-05 season.

"It's very, very tough and very, very frustrating," Bryant said. "It's embarrassing. Tonight was embarrassing.

After playing three straight overtime games, the Bulls made sure to end things in regulation on Monday. They scored eight straight points to break a 75-75 tie, and a pair of Belinelli 3-pointers around an Earl Clark layup gave Chicago an 89-79 cushion with 2:27 to play.

After Bryant missed a fadeaway, Hinrich and Boozer continued the barrage and sealed the win with back-to-back jumpers.

Chicago never trailed in the first half and led by as many as 11 after Robinson hit consecutive 3-pointers for a 35-24 lead early in the second quarter.

It was 47-40 at halftime, and the Bulls continued to play front-runner until Bryant split a pair of defenders for a layup to give the Lakers their first -- and only -- lead in the final minute of the third quarter. Butler made two free throws to tie things, 69-69, heading to the fourth.

Game Notes

The Bulls have won three straight against the Lakers after losing the previous seven meetings ... Pau Gasol came off the Lakers' bench and totaled 15 points and 12 boards ... Los Angeles committed 16 turnovers to Chicago's eight.