The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to get back on track after back-to-back losses to Chicago and Sacramento to begin the season, and if the first half was any indication, Kobe and crew are well on their way to that first victory. In what was a stellar defensive effort, Los Angeles leads the the Utah Jazz by a score of 41-31.
Kobe Bryant had a strong half with 9 points, five rebounds and four assists, and he did so in obvious pain as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Pau Gasol asserted himself nicely in the first quarter and ended the half with a team-leading 11 points. Steve Blake has eight points off the bench and hit two 3's in the first half.
The Jazz struggled mightily on the offensive end of the court and made just 13 of their 50 shots. Josh Howard leads the team with six points and did so coming off the bench. Al Jefferson shot 2-for-14 from the field, although he has brought down 10 rebounds already. Devin Harris is on his way to a double-double with five points and five assists in the first half.
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