LOS ANGELES (AP) –
The Phoenix Suns were expected to be the undefeated or rather the team with the best record in the west! With the loss of Bynum the Suns found their first win against the Lakers this season. All of the Suns starters and Barbosa were in double figures. It was a night of great ball movement and defense on the floor for Phoenix.
Phoenix maintained the lead throughout the entire game. They led by as many as 17 in the second quarter before ending with a halftime lead of 56-43. Bryant who ended the game with 30 pts went scoreless in the second period, missing four shots, after going 4-for-8 and scoring 13 points in the first quarter.
Kwame Brown who started in place of Andrew Bynum did not receive the best reception from Laker fans as he was booed throughout the third quarter. Prompting Phil Jackson to take Kwame out after he missed an open dunk and committed four of his seven turnovers in the third quarter.
The Lakers who have an impressive lead in the west standings look to add depth while their center is out for six weeks. Kobe and other Laker teammates will have to encourage Brown to forget about his recent woes with Phoenix and not to get totally taken out of his game.
There is no doubt that the recent improvement of Bynum’s play will be greatly missed until he returns. Will the Lakers be able to keep atop in the west with Kwame Brown as the center? Looks like the Lakers are certain adding to the roster will be the best decision.
