Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Pau Gasol faced his former team for the first time, but a showdown with Kobe Bryant will have to wait. Gasol had 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls routed the Los Angeles Lakers 113-93 on Christmas Day. Gasol signed with the Bulls during the offseason after spending his previous six-plus seasons with the Lakers, winning a pair of NBA titles. It was weird, difficult at first to get going, Gasol admitted. Once you start playing, youre just playing the best game you can. The 36-year-old Bryant cited old age and sore knees as his reasons for sitting out Thursday nights game against Chicago during a pregame session with reporters. The team is struggling right now and its difficult to see him struggle, Gasol said of Bryant and the Lakers. The game in LA will probably be a little more emotional than this one. Gasol will return to Staples Center to play the Lakers on Jan. 29. Jimmy Butler posted 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Derrick Rose added 20 points and six assists for Chicago, which has won five straight and eight of its last nine games. Wesley Johnson supplied 19 points and nine boards and Ed Davis provided 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who have dropped four of their last five contests. Butlers turnaround fadeaway in the waning seconds of the first half staked Chicago to a 58-47 halftime advantage, but an 11-2 Lakers run to start the second half got them within a basket. Jordan Hill had six points during the surge, which was capped on a Johnson layup to trim the margin to 60-58. The Bulls pulled away during the latter stages of the third and early portion of the fourth with an 11-3 burst. Taj Gibson split a pair of foul shots to finish off the swing and give the Bulls a 92-80 spread. Chicago cruised to the easy win from there. Earlier, the Bulls led 27-24 following a quarter of play and outscored LA 31-23 in the second. It was also the first game for Carlos Boozer in a Lakers uniform playing against his former team. Boozer, who was claimed off waivers by the Lakers in July, had played the previous four seasons for Chicago. He had 14 points off the bench. At some point you have to put the emotions and feelings aside, go out there and win a basketball game, Boozer said. They came in waves. Game Notes Gasol signed a three-year, $22 million contract with Chicago during the offseason ... It wouldve been Bryants NBA-record 16th Christmas Day game had he suited up. He came in averaging 30.4 points over his last nine Christmas games ... LA turned the ball over just four times, but was outrebounded 57-39. Devin Hester Jersey . PAUL, Minn. Akiem Hicks Youth Jersey . Only it wasnt the extended right pad of his old teammate Jonathan Bernier early in the final frame, it was James Reimer, who stole a night that was supposed to belong to the former King. http://www.bearsfootballpro.com/Authentic_Gale-Sayers_Bears_Jersey/ . -- Oakland Athletics third baseman Scott Sizemore has undergone surgery on his left knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. William Perry Youth Jersey . The 30-year-old Kottaras served as Kansas Citys backup catcher last season after being claimed off waivers from Oakland in January. Jim McMahon Womens Jersey . PETERSBURG, Florida – Heading into Thursday nights action, Dioner Navarro had caught 14 innings combined from starters Drew Hutchison and Mark Buehrle.Firstly, here is the welcoming message for all visitors to Temple Of The Phil. If you wish to become the newest Deciphil, these are the steps you must follow in the approval process. But beware of the evil followers of Seguin, for which this stringent approval process was created to keep out. We shall begin our tour of the Temple, with a reading from the Holy Mackinaw. Praise Be The Phil Oh no! The Phil will be playing for the Americans at the Olympic Games! But fear not, The Phil never fails. Luckily, The Phil is all forgiving. Now, some more teachings from The Phil.dddddddddddd And The Phil said, "Those who shall cheer in my presence shall be blessed with my gifts". "And you will know my name is the Phil when I lay my vengeance upon thee". "And on this day, the Phil created dance". One must be prepared to make an offering for The Phil! The Phil is within us all! The Phil disguised as a lion. Ah, but one Deciphil made his presence known to The Phil! Praise be. All photos, quotes, information and prayers courtesy of the Sacred Temple Of The Phil. ' ' '