Lakers Avoid 4-Game Skid; Beat Hornets

[JesRey]

Los Angeles would be burning tonight if the Lakers lost their 4th game in a row.

Thanks to Phil Jackson, the Lakers finally won a game for the first time since December 19th. Andrew Bynum got his first start of the season tonight in New Orleans. The Hornets were (18-13) going into this game and were expected to give the Lakers some problems but David West went to the locker room earlier in the game with an ankle injury.

It was the best first half by the Lakers on the road this season. They had 15 assists, shot around 67% from the field, made 10 of their 11 free throws and lead 59-41 at the end of the first half.

Lamar Odom didn't slow down despite coming off the bench. He had a career high in points as a reserve with 24. He also had a Magic Johnson like play in the 4th quarter. [Video Link coming soon]

With less than a minute left in the game, Matt Barnes picked up two technical fouls and was ejected from the game.

It was also great to see D.J. Mbenga playing tonight against the Lakers.

Key Stats:
Kobe Bryant 20 Pts, 7 TOs
Pau Gasol 11 Pts, 12 Rebs
Lamar Odom 24 Pts
Derek Fisher 8 Asts

Box Score: Lakers 103 Hornets 88

Picture Credit: Getty Images





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[key2win]

Thank goodness they won. Im glad they finally inserted Bynum back into the starting lineup. It showed tonight as the team played a lot better.