Lakers up, Bynum down!

Memphis, TN

Before the Lakers even got going, horror struck home. Just over five minutes into the game, Lakers center Andrew Bynum was on the ground writhing in agony. As he shouted expletives and moans of enormous pain leaving his body, the arena fell silent. As the play extended down court, Bynum was clutching his right knee in a fashion all too familiar to Lakers fans everywhere. The young center was sidelined for over 9 months after suffering a subluxation of the patella on his left knee. In tonights contest it was the same opponent and the opposite knee. In a freak accident, Kobe Bryant fell back after attempting a short runner at the rim and landed squarely on Bynums' right knee. Immediately afterward, the Lakers big man was on the ground again. A team timeout was called and athletic trainer Gary Vitti was first on the scene. After a few tense minutes and a long television timeout, Bynum was helped off the court, not putting any pressure on his leg. An initial cat scan at the arena came back negative, however, the cat scan really seeks out bone damage. Bynum will travel with the team to New York and have an MRI tomorrow that will help diagnose any further issue. This was supposed to be a leisurely day off to watch Super Bowl XLIII and await the Knicks, now the Lakers will be awaiting news of far greater importance. 

On the lighter side, Pau Gasol was just about lights out in his second game back to Memphis since being traded to the Lakers. Gasol recorded 24 points and 8 boards on 9-of-14 shooting. After the initial shock of the Bynum injury let up, Kobe had a good game as well. Bryant really looked as if a ghost had walked through him in the minutes following the collision. I could just see another NBA Title slipping through his clutches along with another year logged on his legs as he watched Drew on the ground. The pro that is Kobe got it together and led all scorers with 25 when it was all said and done. The Lakers also managed to shoot a respectable 53% from the floor despite 25% shooting from beyond the arc. It was the 37th win for Los Angeles who now sit just two games behind Boston in the win column. 

The Memphis Grizzlies (11-35) losers of 20 of their last 22 games played well most of the night. In the first half the Grizzlies even owned a 13 point lead at one point. A very young team, in only their third game under newly re-hired coach Lionel Hollins showed some signs of growth. They were led by Rudy Gay (23) and Rookie of The Year candidate O.J. Mayo who scored 21. The younger brother of Pau, Marc Gasol added 13 to match teammate Mike Conley Jr. The Grizzlies have implored a new run and gun style that is allowing their shooters more open looks. A great adaptation for a team that is still searching for a reliable inside presence. O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol were both named to the NBA T-Mobile Rookie Challenge as part of All-Star Weekend 2009 in Phoenix, AZ.