By Nick Shepkowski-

UNITED CENTER (CBS) News that was brought on from Derrick Rose’s brother Thursday afternoon made people forget for much of the day that the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat were in town. If you’re a Bulls fan and feel the two games to date with Miami haven’t been the same with Rose out, you’re not alone.

“Just as a fan of the game, if I’m home and I see the Bulls playing and they don’t have D-Rose out there – as a fan of the game you miss that,” three-time MVP LeBron James said after Thursday’s 86-67 Heat victory. “You miss what he’s done for the game. He has a passion for the game.”

The Bulls missed their All-Star point guard more than ever Thursday as the pairing of Nate Robinson and Marquis Teague struggled throughout the evening as they combined to assist on just three field goals while turning the ball over seven times.

The Bulls as a team turned the ball over a season-high 26 times in the defeat while making only 28 field goals. Their 67-point output was also a season-low.

Meanwhile, James continued his recent dominance as he finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as the Heat won their league-leading ninth straight game.

Brighter days are ahead though for the Bulls, at least if the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player knows anything about it.

“I see a brighter, brighter future for (Rose),” James said. “As good as he was coming out of college, in high school and in the pros, he’s going to be awesome when he gets back.”

In addition to covering the Bulls for CBSChicago.com, Nick Shepkowski is the associate producer for The McNeil and Spiegel Show. For Bulls information all season long, follow him on Twitter at @Shep670.