Lakers Rip Bulls

The Los Angeles Lakers gave back exactly what they received from the Chicago Bulls six weeks earlier, turning Sunday’s East-West showdown into a marquee mismatch.

The Lakers, blown out at Chicago in mid-December, broke the game open early in the third quarter and toyed with the defending champions the rest of the way as they defeated the Bulls 112-87.

Rick Fox played another outstanding game and led the Lakers with 25 points, Shaquille O’Neal added 24 and Eddie Jones 20.

Kobe Bryant hit two fancy scoop layups and a jumper in Scottie Pippen’s face that made it 107-80 with 3:24 left.

Michael Jordan scored 31 points for Chicago.

The Lakers led 57-53 at halftime. Then, O’Neal scored on a layup, Derek Fisher scored on a fast break, Fox had a 3-pointer and a three-point play and Jones sank a 3-pointer to cap a quick 13-0 run that made it 72-53 with 9:39 left in the third.