J-Rich Scores 34, Bobcats Thrash Lakers 108-95

Charlotte Bobcats swingman Jason Richardson (#23) scores a three point basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Vladimir Radmanovic (#10) during the second quarter of their game, played Wednesday night. Richardson scored 34 points, leading Charlotte past Los Angeles 108-95.

Charlotte Bobcats swingman Jason Richardson and point guard Raymond Felton were ill Wednesday morning just before their game against the Los Angeles Lakers; unfortunately for the Lakers, Richardson and Felton recovered. Richardson scored 34 while leading Charlotte to the upset win over Los Angeles 108-95 at Staples Center.

Fast forwarding to the third quarter, Richardson scored 5 points and Gerald Wallace added a 3-pointer in a Charlotte 8-2 run to begin the second half, giving the Bobcats a 65-46 lead. Los Angeles’ Kobe Bryant scored the Lakers’ first 15 points of the period, including 5 straight before a layup by Lamar Odom moved Los Angeles to within 8. The Bobcats would then outscore the Lakers 13-7 for an 82-68 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Lakers would score the first 10 points of the period to move to within four, and a trey by Sasha Vujacic made it 84-81 with 7:45 left in the game; but unfortunately for the Lakers, that’s as close as they would get as Charlotte went on a 16-5 run for a 100-86 lead with 3:40 left, essentially sealing the win for Charlotte. Charlotte was led by the aforementioned Richardson with 34 points, including 4 treys, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks while reserve Matt Carroll scored 18 with three 3-pointers, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal; Gerald Wallace added 15 with 3 treys, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Los Angeles was led by Bryant with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a block while Odom scored 18 with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a block. Charlotte (26-45) will now fly to the Northwest to face the Seattle SuperSonics Friday night while Los Angeles (49-23) hosts the Memphis Grizzlies - also on Friday.