Lakers open up 7-Game Road Trip with Success

Kobe flips a shot past Mark Gasol
courtesy of L.A. Times

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Spurs last thursday on a last second despiration tip in as the clock expired. With the loss to the San Antonio Spurs the Lakers began a seven game road trip in New Orleans saturday night against the Hornets. Lately in the media, the Lakers have been criticized for being to soft, especially the bigs inside. Well with Kobe Bryant in the ear of his bigs, Pau Gasol answered with a larger physical game saturday. In the 101-95 win he tallied 34 points on (13-17) shooting along with 10 assists, 3 rebounds and a block. Kobe Bryant also got in the mix with 32 points himself followed by 9 rebounds and 5 assists. It was the first time the two stars scored 30 points in a game together since march of 2009. With the win the Lake-Show started the road trip on a positive start. Next up, the Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies who have won the last two games in the series this season. The Lakers lost by 19 points in their last meeting at Staples Center last month, so they were looking for a little personal revenge. The Lakers were able to win their second game in a row by a score of 93-84 over the Grizzlies. Kobe Bryant finished with 19 points and Pau Gasol played well and scored 17 points. The Lakers were able to control much of the game as the Grizzlies were playing catch up. Mid way throught the fourth quarter Memphis was able to get within two points, but the Lakers went on a 11-0 run to handle business. Next up for the Lakers is a trip to their most hated rivals, the Boston Celtics on thursday night. After losing last week to the Celtics the Lakers are looking to right their ship, and get the media monkey off their back. The Lakers have improved their record to (36-16) on the season and (2-0) with five games remaining on the Grammy road trip and move back into second place in the Western Conference only behind the San Antonio Spurs.

 The Gasol brothers going at it.
courtesy of L.A. Times

Bryant driving to the basket. He finished with 19 points
Courtesy of L.A. Times