The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies at STAPLES Center Friday night despite playing without their starting center (Andrew Bynum) and power forward (Pau Gasol). The Grizzlies proved to be a tenacious opponent but the Lakers jumped ahead in the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth.
- Kobe Bryant finished with a brutal 41 points on 19-30 shooting. The Grizzlies didn't double him much so he took the smaller O.J. Mayo to the post over and over. Bryant didn't even attempt a three and took just four free throw attempts.
- Bryant has had some brutal nights to get above 40, tonight didn't it didn't seem so hard. I asked him after the game if it was an easy 40. He said that he had a terrific summer where he put in a lot of work - after getting some welcome rest. The result is that his body is in great shape and ready to go.
- This is the third game over the last four where Bryant has notched 41 points. In LA's five victories, his lowest output was 31. In the team's lone loss he scored just 20.
- I asked Coach Phil Jackson if the return of Bynum and Gasol will move Bryant out of the post - where he's been so effectively as of late. Jackson said he hopes so - although Bryant can always post on the opposite side of the big man (as the ball gets moved). The same question to Bryant - he intends to continue working the post. He said, "You can't stop the dream-shake," referring to his time this summer learning from Hakeem Olajuwon.
- Jackson didn't want to give too much praise to his guys after tonight. Once this team has its full cadre of weapons, Phil will be able to settle into a more stable, reliable rotation.
- Ron Artest scored 19 on 7-14 shooting with seven assists and six blocks. He's proving to be better than advertised as a playmaker - something that Jackson is happy to see.
- Derek Fisher had a strong night with 11 points and seven assists. Odom only scored three on 1-6 shooting before fouling out in 29 minutes. Josh Powell, LA's most consistent reserve so far this season per Jackson, had 13 on 6-11 shooting.
- Rudy Gay earned praise from both Bryant and Jackson. He finished with 22 points on 8-16 shooting.
- Allen Iverson had a relatively quiet night with eight points off the bench in 21 minutes. He said after the game that whether he likes being a reserve or not - he's still going to give it his all. Obviously he's not fond of coming off the bench . . .
- Zach Randolph killed me personally (fantasy league) with 21 points and 15 boards. He had seven offensive rebounds and probably converted six or maybe even all seven on put-backs.
- As a team LA shot 50.5% - the Grizzlies 45.6%. It was a relatively clean game with just eight turnovers for the Lakers and 12 for Memphis. LA shot only 11 free throws while the Grizzlies took 29.
- Finally DJ Mbenga pulled down 13 boards, nine in the first quarter. He also blocked four shots. He had a nice little crowd of reporters around him after the game. He wouldn't admit to having more fun as a starter. He said he just has to be ready whenever he's called upon - if it's one minute - 10 - or a big night like tonight. He's just happy to help the team. {AUTHOR_BOX}
- The Lakers (5-1) host the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night - perhaps with both Gasol and Bynum although that's yet to be determined. The Grizzlies (1-5) stay in Los Angeles to play the Clippers Saturday.
For more detail, check out the Lakers/Grizzlies Courtside Blog.
