After struggling against lesser teams to stop a two-game slide, the Lakers looked like the defending Western Conference champs they are in winning handily against last year's and possibly this year's #2 seed, the New Orleans Hornets.

As perennial prime pistol Kobe Bryant noted, the Lakers match up especially well against the Hornets.

Team D was key as it will have to be to defeat upper echelon teams, and especially if they meet their born-again nemesis the Celtics in the Finals -- admittedly quite a was off. Those Celtics are cruisin' along at a monster 27-2, while the Lakers improved their West-leading record to 23-5.

The Lakers got on top early against the Hornets and stayed ahead, weathering a late surge to win handily.

Continued staunch D is all they need, particularly in the wake of a recent knee injury to Jordan Farmar, necessitating an 8-wk. surgery sidelining.

Continue reading "Lakers Sting Hornets 100-87"

Lakers fans got the present they wanted for Christmas, a strong play-off intensity caliber performance from the home team vs. born-again nemesis, the defending champs Boston Celtics riding an all-time NBA best 27-2 record into L.A.

Hard-fought throughout, the Lakers exhibited the required mental and physical toughness down the stretch, a close-out defense that was rewarded with a 92-83 victory. The clamp-down was highlighted by stand-out blocks and scoring from Pau Gasol. 7 of his 20 pts. came in the final three minutes.

As usual, Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 27 pts., w/9 rebounds and 5 assists.

Lamar Odom surprised with back-to-back 3-pt. shots in the final quarter.

Andrew Bynum contributed key blocked shots in the game and 9 pts., making his presence felt, especially on D, making it clear he was a key missing factor in last year's Finals meltdown.

Continue reading "Christmas Gift: Lakers 92, Celtics 83"