Lakers 124, 76ers 93
January 4th, 2008, 9:52 pm · Post a Comment · posted by KEVIN DING, OCREGISTER.COM
LOS ANGELES – Much of the time Andrew Bynum has been breaking out this season, he has looked unstoppable because his sharp-passing Lakers teammates have made him look that way.
He took a giant leap forward Friday night, smartly and strongly creating offense for himself and his teammates to set the tone for a Lakers domination of the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center.
Bynum had 17 points – 11 coming in the first quarter. He also finished with 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in just 29 minutes.
Despite missing Lamar Odom to NBA suspension, the Lakers had no trouble. Odom’s replacement at starting power forward, Ronny Turiaf, delivered 15 points and five blocks.
In the final seconds Lakers rookie Coby Karl scored his first NBA field goal on a twisting shot from the lane, prompting a loud roar from the crowd. Rookie Javaris Crittenton wound up the leading scorer with 19 points in 24 minutes.
QUOTABLE
Phil Jackson put little-used rookie guard Crittenton’s on-court and off-court attitude together in one summation, saying: “He’s not a patient young man right now.”
LUKE’S TURN
Luke Walton, getting over a sprained right ankle, returned to the starting lineup at small forward over Trevor Ariza but picked up two quick fouls.
TV OFF
This was the first of seven consecutive Lakers games not picked up by a national TV affiliate … which just goes to show you how weak the Lakers’ upcoming competition is.
NEXT
Indiana at Lakers, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, FSN, KLAC/570
