Bobcats 108, Lakers 95

March 26th, 2008, 9:59 pm · Post a Comment · posted by KEVIN DING, OCREGISTER.COM

LOS ANGELES – The Lakers played too casual at the start and too desperate in the middle. By the end, they were stuck with one of those losses they might look back on with regret once the Western Conference standings are finalized.

The Charlotte Bobcats controlled the Lakers, who were out of control all night. Kobe Bryant was ejected with 3:40 left after drawing his second technical foul: He kicked the ball a little too hard from about 15 feet away to referee David Jones. It was Bryant’s second technical of the game, and his next one this regular season will be his 16^th this season. With that, he would be suspended a game — and suspended another game for every second technical foul thereafter.

Bryant (27 points), playing with extra padding on the right ankle he twisted Sunday night, still didn’t have a good base for his jump shot. He shot poorly Monday night at Golden State before changing up to score more on drives.

KEY STAT

Ronny Turiaf at center caught up with the Lakers in this game, with Turiaf struggling on the boards and finishing with four rebounds in 33 minutes. Charlotte outrebounded the Lakers, 52-40.

KOBE CAUGHT

Bryant got spotted and whistled for a foul by referee Scott Foster doing what Bryant likes to do to distract shooters – give them a little tap somewhere (usually the chest or the leg) as they are releasing jumpers. Jason Richardson made the 3-point shot and the free throw for a 54-44 Charlotte lead 28.4 seconds before halftime.

NO REST

The Lakers might’ve been better served by Phil Jackson giving the team the day off Tuesday, especially considering Pau Gasol (ankle) wasn’t close to coming back. It was mostly 3-on-3 scrimmaging for the reserves in practice, but still, maybe most of the players could’ve used a day totally away. Gasol indicated he might not return until next Wednesday night vs. Portland.

NEXT

Memphis at Lakers, 7:30 p.m. Friday, FSN, KLAC/570.

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