Vucevic helps Bulls run past the short-handed Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS » Nikola Vucevic took advantage of Indiana’s missing big men by posting 32 points and 17 rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls overwhelm the short-handed Pacers 113-97 Tuesday night.

Chicago has won two straight since snapping a six-game losing streak and moved within one game of the Pacers for the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference. Vucevic also had five assists while going 14 of 29 from the field. AllStar Zach LaVine added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The combination was simply too much for Indiana, which started the game without twotime All-Star Domantas Sabonis (sprained ankle) and guard Malcolm Brogdon (sore hip), before losing Myles Turner in the third quarter with a sprained ankle.

Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 20 points and six rebounds. Edmond Sumner and Jeremy Lamb each scored 15 points as Indiana lost for the ninth time in 10 home games.

Chicago took control with a 15-3 run early in the second quarter, taking a 45-33 lead. It was never really close afterward. When the

Pacers cut the deficit to 81-72 in the third quarter, Chicago answered with a 9-0 run.

Lakers sign McLemore

LOS ANGELES » The Lakers signed guard Ben McLemore for the rest of the season Tuesday.

The defending NBA champions put the eight-year veteran in their final open roster spot, hoping to improve their poor 3-point shooting performances as they prepare for their push toward the postseason.

Los Angeles also picked up center Andre Drummond last week.

McLemore was released last weekend by the Rockets after 103 games with the club over two seasons. He averaged 7.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in a reserve role this year.