Andrew Bynum Named Western Conference Player Of Week

Andrew Bynum has stepped up in the absence of Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers aren't missing a beat. They're winning all sorts of basketball contests against all sorts of basketball teams. It's why the Laker center won the Western Conference Player of the Week award. Bynum has averaged 21.8 points, 16.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during that stretch, and the Lakers won all four contests.

Here's a look at each of the four games.

• Bynum put up 18 points and 11 rebounds to help assist Pau Gasol in a victory over the Hornets.
• Bynum put up a gem that probably earned him this award, an incredible 30 rebound performance in a beatdown of San Antonio.
• Bynum had his most efficient offensive performance against Denver, piling in 30 points to go along with eight rebounds to keep ahead of the Nuggets most of the game.
• Bynum only shot 37.5% as the Mavericks bottled him up, but he still managed to grab 16 rebounds in an overtime victory over Dallas.

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Lakers Vs. Mavericks Final Score: Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol Lead L.A. To 112-108 Overtime Win

Andrew Bynum had 23 points and 16 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-108 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. The win was the fourth straight for the Lakers (39-22), who swept their season series against Dallas, winning all four encounters.

Metta World Peace added 18 points for the Lakers, including a turn-around jumper from 18 feet with 1:04 remaining in overtime to expand the Lakers' lead to four points. World Peace also chipped in with six rebounds and four assists.

Ramon Sessions had 22 points and five assists for the Lakers, and Pau Gasol had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Gasol hit two free throws in the final second to ice the game.

Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Mavericks. He missed a potential game-winning three-point attempt from the top of the arc as time expired in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers conclude their homestand Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center.

For more news and information on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.

Lakers Vs. Mavericks Game Score: Delonte West Leads Dallas To 54-48 Halftime Lead

Delonte West scored 16 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 54-48 halftime lead over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. The Lakers are in search of their fourth straight win and, though they are without Kobe Bryant for a fifth straight contest, are looking for a season sweep of the Mavericks.

West made eight of 11 field goals for the Mavericks, who shot 55.0% (22 of 40) in the opening 24 minutes. Dirk Nowtizki added seven rebounds for Dallas, but he scored just five points on 2-of-10 shooting.

Ramon Sessions led the Lakers with 10 points and three assists. Andrew Bynum had nine points and six rebounds, though on just 4-of-13 shooting. Matt Barnes added five points, six rebounds, and three assists off the bench for the Lakers, who shot 39.5% (17 for 43) in the first half.

For more news and information on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.

Lakers Vs. Mavericks: Game Time, TV Info And More

The Los Angeles Lakers look for their third straight win on Sunday afternoon and a season sweep of the Dallas Mavericks as they host the defending champions at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant is likely out again with a left shin injury, but here are the relevant details of Sunday's nationally televised NBA action and possible playoff preview:

Records: Lakers (38-22), Dallas (34-26)

Location: Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles

Time: 12:30 p.m. PDT

TV: ABC, with Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown on the call

Going Streaking: The Lakers have won three straight games, all without Bryant. They are one game up on the Clippers in the Pacific Division with six games remaining.

Series History: The Mavericks swept the Lakers out of the playoffs last season, but the Lakers have tried to get a small measure of revenge by winning the first three of their four matchups this season. If the season ended today, the No. 3 seed Lakers would host the No. 6 seed Mavericks in the first round.

For more news and information on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.

Kobe Bryant Unlikely To Play Against Mavericks On Sunday

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will likely sit out again on Sunday when the team hosts the Dallas Mavericks for the fourth time this season.