Lakers squash Hornets by almost thirty points at New Orleans

The New Orleans Hornets - a team that has been exceptionally successful throughout the season, taking many critics by surprise with its young talent, such as Chris Paul and David West - was put in its place Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers crushed the Hornets 109-80 on the team’s home court in New Orleans, according to an Associated Press article published on the official Lakers Web site.

Staying ahead by double digits throughout the majority of the game, the Lakers dominated the court with its strong defense and balanced scoring, which allowed key players Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum to shine through with 19 and 17 points respectively, according to the AP report. As a direct indication that the Lakers team was stronger than its opponent, was the reserves scoring, which was 42-9 with the Lakers’ bench on top.

“Once you start playing the same way all the time, it’s like a team is a team,” said forward Lamar Odom, who had 11 points, according to an article published Jan. 10 on the official LA Times Web site. “That’s how we feel right now, like we’re going out and we’re playing the same way all the time. Tonight, four or five guys in double figures, guys with nine, nine, eight, nine. Everybody’s chipping in. Everybody’s having fun right now.”

Bryant, who had seven rebounds and seven assists on top of his 19 points, appeared pleased, as he stepped off the court at game’s end, according to the LA Times’ report.
“We’re playing well,” he said. “I think we can play much better. We’re just going to pocket these wins and go from there. It’s a good road win. Now it’s time to go home and take care of business there.”
Bryant’s determination is a sure indication that the Lakers are playing on a whole new level. If you still haven’t been to a game this season, then now is the perfect time to pick up a pair of Lakers tickets right here and now at Stubhub.com.

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