Bulls Vs. Lakers, NBA Christmas Day Score Update: Chicago Closes Strong, Leads 22-20 After First Quarter

Read More: Pau Gasol (F - LAL), Kobe Bryant (G - LAL), C.J. Watson (G - CHI), Derrick Rose (G - CHI), Taj Gibson (F - CHI), Chicago Bulls

It's been a defensive struggle in Los Angeles thus far in the third game of a five-game opening-day Christmas slate in the NBA. The Lakers took an early lead on the Chicago Bulls, but Chicago closed strong and holds a 22-20 lead after one quarter.

The Lakers raced ahead early behind Kobe Bryant, who has six points, and Pau Gasol, who has eight. Bryant is 2-5 from the field, including this reverse layup around several Bulls defenders.

But the Bulls' bench, as it did so many times last year, came through again. Chicago closed the quarter on a 12-2 run, with strong contributions from C.J. Watson, Taj Gibson and Ronnie Brewer. They made up from a lackluster effort from the starters, including Derrick Rose, who has yet to score.

For more on the Christmas Day NBA season-opening slate, visit this StoryStream. For more on the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull and SB Nation Chicago.