The Los Angeles Lakers are aware of their recent history against the Charlotte Bobcats, and the first half Tuesday night at Staples Center showed a team taking care of business against possibly the worst team in the NBA. Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, including 18 in the first quarter, while Andrew Bynum controlled the middle with 14 points and eight rebounds, leading the Lakers to a 60-36 lead at halftime.
The Lakers had lost eight of their last 11 games against Charlotte, who along with the Boston Celtics are the only two teams in NBA history to have a winning record in franchise history against the Lakers. However, the Bobcats entered play Tuesday night at 3-18 and losers of eight straight games, and it showed on the court.
The Lakers outscored Charlotte 30-18 in each of the first two quarters en route to shooting 58.5% (24 for 41) from the field in the first half. The Bobcats shot just 31.2% (15 for 48) in the opening 24 minutes, and were led in scoring by Derrick Brown, who poured in 10 points off the bench.
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