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Bulls' Gibson questionable as Bulls prepare for Lakers

Just by looking at the box scores, it seems obvious the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers could use some tougher competition.

During Sunday's 28-point victory over Golden State, center Pau Gasol went 10-for-10 from the field and 8-for-8 from the foul line for 28 points, while no Lakers starters played in the fourth quarter.

In the previous game, a 17-point romp at Minnesota, forward Matt Barnes hit all 7 of his shots, including 5 from 3-point range, for 24 points.

The Lakers (12-2) typically start out the regular season with a flurry of home games, but this year's schedule has been friendlier than usual.

Based on win-loss record, the best team the Lakers have played so far is Portland at 8-6.

So if record means anything, the Bulls (7-4) will be the Lakers' toughest opponent to date. The teams will square off Tuesday night at the Staples Center (9:30 p.m., CSN).

The Bulls could be in a bind if forward Taj Gibson is unavailable. Gibson suffered a pinched nerve in his right foot early in Sunday's practice and skipped Monday's workout at UCLA. The former USC star will be a game-time decision.

“I stressed some kind of a ligament in my foot during the (defensive slide) drills. We're going to go see the doctor today,” Gibson said Monday, according to CSNChicago.com.

“I didn't turn my ankle or anything. It was just the side of my foot the nerve on the side of my foot they said it got ‘tingled.' I'm just hoping it's not more serious than what it is.”

After missing 15 of 16 shots in the first two games of the circus road trip, Gibson erupted for 17 points and 18 rebounds in Friday's win at Dallas. He has not missed a game so far in his two-year NBA career.

Already without power forward Carlos Boozer, the Bulls need all the help they can get against the Lakers' offensive juggernaut.

The Lakers rank first in points scored (112.5) and 3-point percentage (.434), and they are second in free-throw percentage (.816) and assists (24.9). But the Lakers rate a disappointing fourth in field-goal percentage (.478).

“It's just about winning every night,” Kobe Bryant said in the Los Angeles Times. “You're here, you show up, your job is to play, and your job is to win.”

Bryant is third in the league in scoring at 25.6 points per game, just ahead of Derrick Rose. Gasol is averaging a healthy 22.8 points and 12.1 rebounds.

The star power is strong in L.A., but so is the depth. The Lakers have five players who rank in the top 14 in 3-point percentage Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown, Steve Blake and Barnes.

Ex-Bulls forward Ron Artest is averaging a career-low 9.2 points but says he isn't sweating the scoring opportunities.

“I had my time,” Artest said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “I don't rush it. I made so many moves off that Game 7 (of the Finals). I'm not anxious to shine (on offense), but when that sun shines, I'll be there.”

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has a long history with Bryant. He used to tutor the future MVP in Philadelphia, when Bryant was a high school phenom and Thibodeau was an assistant with the 76ers.

“He was crucial,” Bryant said, according to Espn.com. “He was with me when I was 16 or 17 years old, just doing drills and just working on ballhandling and just teaching me the game. He was there from Day One.”

<P><B>Bulls game day</B></P>

<P>Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center, 9:30 p.m. Tuesday</P>

<P><B>TV: </B>Comcast SportsNet</P>

<P><B>Radio:</B> WMVP 1000-AM</P>

<P><B>Update: </B>The Lakers (12-2) have been an offensive juggernaut, ranking first in points per game (112.5) and 3-point percentage (.434). Kobe Bryant is averaging 25.6 points, third best in the league. After going a perfect 10-for-10 from the field in Sunday's win over Golden State, Pau Gasol is at 22.8 points and 12.1 rebounds. Lamar Odom (14.6, 10.6) also is averaging a double-double. The Lakers have won four in a row by at least 11 points after dropping back-to-back games against Denver and Phoenix. The Bulls have lost six straight in the series.</P>

<P><B>Next:</B> Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center, 8 p.m. Wednesday</P>