Andrew Bynum dominated the smallish front line of the Houston Rockets and Kobe Bryant rebounded from a shooting slump Tuesday night, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 108-99 win at Staples Center. Bynum had 21 points and a season high 22 rebounds for his third double-double in as many games and the first 20-20 game of his career.
Bryant, after shooting a career-worst six for 28 on Sunday night in a loss in Denver, rebounded with a season-high 37 points in 37 minutes against the Rockets. Kobe added eight rebounds, six assists, and had just one turnover. He made 14 of his 29 field goal attempts.
Bynum is averaging 22.7 points and 17.0 rebounds through three games this season, and has made 62.2% of his field goals. Tuesday night was just the second 20-rebound game of Bynum's career, as he had 23 boards on April 5, 2011 against the Utah Jazz. Bynum also blocked three shots, also a season high.
Pau Gasol added 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists for the Lakers.
Kyle Lowry, the NBA leader in assists per game this season, fell one dime shy of a triple-double on Tuesday. He lead the Rockets with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, and added two steals for good measure. Luis Scola added 20 points and five boards for Houston.
The Lakers have won three of their last four games and have only allowed 100 points one time in seven games this season. The Lakers head to Portland to battle the 4-1 Trail Blazers Thursday night at the Rose Garden.
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