Whatever the Lakers haven’t been doing as consistently as their supporters would like this season, they certainly can bring it against the New Orleans Hornets.
The Lakers rolled through the Hornets for the second time this season at New Orleans Arena, both times using great defense to throttle Chris Paul’s engine in the first half. The Lakers held Paul to 6-of-16 shooting, although he still finished with 17 points and 10 assists in 46 minutes.
Pau Gasol seemed to be more assured after getting the big personal game in Memphis behind him — and after he helped Kobe Bryant wrap up that victory down the stretch. Gasol hit 8 of 10 shots and finished with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Bryant had 26 points — 12 coming from the foul line with Bryant’s friend Byron Scott bringing very physical defense against him. Former Celtic James Posey drew a technical foul at one point for pushing Bryant to the floor.
