Lakers fans applaud Bulls' Pau Gasol

LOS ANGELES -- Pau Gasol received a standing ovation fromLakers fans before Thursday night's game as a video tribute filled with highlights from his time in Los Angeles played on the big screens at Staples Center.

Gasol, in his first game back in L.A. -- a 123-118 double-overtime loss for theBulls--came to center court and applauded along with fans, showing appreciation for their support.

Fans received T-shirts that said "Thanks Pau" on the front and had a list of Gasol's accomplishments with the Lakers onthe back.

Kobe Bryant, who had shoulder surgery Wednesday, came to Staples Center to welcome back Gasol, speaking to him privately before leaving. Bryant told ESPN he wasn't feeling well enough, 31 hours after the operation, to go on the court.

The Bulls played the Lakers a couple of nights after their most impressive win of the season, a 113-111 Chicago victory in overtime over the Golden State Warriors. Gasol had 18 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists in the win.

This wasn't the first time Gasol entered Staples Center as a member of the Bulls. He was also here Nov. 17 when Chicago faced, and defeated, the Los Angeles Clippers, although he did not play because of a calf injury.

Gasol, 34, was voted an All-Star starter for the first time and has spoken openly about how "rejuvenated" he feels as a player this season. His pre-All-Star break numbers this season, compared to last year, back up that point.

In his first 44 games last season, Gasol averaged 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.9 minutes per game, according to ESPN Stats & Information. In his first 44 games of this season, he is averaging 18.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 35 minutes.

"He's been a great fit for us," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Great teammate, and he's stepped up and carried us through the early part of this season along with Jimmy [Butler]."