Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter Friday night, looking to recapture home court advantage in New Orleans against the Hornets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Bryant scored 10 points in 10 minutes, making four of six field goals, and leading the Lakers to a 30-23 lead after 12 minutes. The Lakers shot 68.4% from the field, making 13-of-19 shots.
Ron Artest added seven points for the Lakers, making all three of his shots, as he maneuvered inside against Marco Belinelli and Carl Landry. Andrew Bynum had six points and grabbed four boards in the first quarter. Chris Paul led New Orleans with nine points, and former Laker Trevor Ariza scored eight of his own for the Hornets, who shot 42.3% in the opening quarter.
For more news on this first-round matchup, be sure to stay tuned to this story stream at SB Nation Los Angeles. For more NBA playoff coverage, check out SB Nation's playoff bracket and schedule. For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.