Lakers Shoot 54%; Destroy Warriors 130-97

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

Pau Gasol

One thing that the Los Angeles Lakers are not is offensively challenged. Granted they’re not the Phoenix Suns, but at the same time they’re certainly not the New Jersey Nets either.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, their opponent in Saturday night’s game – the Golden State Warriors – consider defense an afterthought for 48 minutes a night. Nonetheless, the Lakers were firing on all 8 cylinders as they shot a hot 54% from the floor, leading Los Angeles to a ridiculously easy 130-97 win over Golden State.

The Lakers were hot early as they raced to a 14-7 lead with 9:03 left in the first quarter; after a Golden State timeout, the Warriors would chip away, getting to within 14-12 on a technical free throw by Monta Ellis, courtesy of a technical foul assessed to Kobe Bryant. But Los Angeles would rebound as they increased their lead to double-digits, taking a 36-22 lead into the second quarter. The Lakers would up their advantage to 17 but the Warriors managed to decrease their deficit to ten at 60-50 going into halftime. With 3:30 left in the third quarter, Ron Artest’s layup would put Los Angeles up 89-68 and would take a 23-point bulge into the final period. Los Angeles would pile it on yet again as their lead would eclipse 30 and they would coast to the easy victory.

Seven Lakers scored in double-digits, led by Pau Gasol with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks while Bryant added 20 with 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals; Artest poured in 19 with 5 rebounds and 4 assists while Shannon Brown scored 17 with 2 rebounds and an assist. Lamar Odom grabbed 10 boards for the victorious Lakers.

Monta Ellis led the Warriors with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal while Corey Maggette added 17 with 6 rebounds and an assist; Anthony Morrow chipped in 15 with 5 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Vladimir Radmanovic grabbed 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Los Angeles (12-3) plays again on Sunday when they host the winless New Jersey Nets while Golden State (5-10) remains at home to host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.

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