Andrew Bynum provided the spark, and the Lakers were especially suffocating in the second half, pulling away to a 97-84 win over the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers outscored Orlando 56-38 in the second half. It was the 10th win in their last 11 games for the Lakers, who now have three days off before their next contest.
Bynum tied a career high with 18 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end. The center was key in the Lakers' defensive effort, with four blocks and several challenges. Bynum, along with the help of Ron Artest, Matt Barnes, et al, forced nine turnovers by Dwight Howard. The night wasn't all bad for Howard, who had 22 points and 15 rebounds, but the Lakers made him work for it.
Bynum was aggressive right out of the gate, grabbing 11 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, and three blocks in the first quarter alone. However, the Lakers trailed by six after the first quarter, and they were down 46-41 at halftime. After shooting just 35.4% from the field in the first half, the Lakers cashed in many transition buckets and points off turnovers in the second half, and shot 53.7% from the field in the final 24 minutes.
Kobe Bryant played 31 minutes on a sprained left ankle, and scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists. Pau Gasol scored 23 points with five rebounds and five assists, and Lamar Odom added 16 points and seven boards off the bench.
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