In a game that's already seen Kobe Bryant move up on the all time scoring list, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Philadelphia 76ers on the road at halftime 50-46. The aforementioned Bryant had 24 points in the first half, almost tripling his next closest contributor's total. Still a terribly close game, the rest of the Laker squad will have to pitch in their fair share if LA is going to hold on in the second half.
Not that Andrew Byrnum and Paul Gasol haven't contributed, but it hasn't been enough thus far. Brynum does have 10 rebounds, but only seven points. Brynum threw down a high lob with authority in the second quarter, which got the Laker bench on their feet.
In a bit of a surprising turn, the assist leader in the first half was Meta World Peace, getting his first start this season. The two teams really are at loggerheads, with both shooting 44% from the field and 75% from the free throw line at the half. The Lakers have been able to differentiate themselves with their far superior rebounding, currently out rebounding the 76ers 30-14.
Kobe Bryant is having a huge game in his hometown, but it's not yet time for cheesesteaks. If the supporting cast turns it up, the Lakers should be able to finish out and move to 2-1 on the annual Grammy Roadtrip.
For more on this game, the significance of the Grammys, and where Mike Brown is; check out Silver Screen and Roll.