Lakers Score A Win Against The Wizards But Coach Jackson Not Satisfied
Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Washington Wizards 99-92 as the Lakers romped to their sixth straight win Sunday.
Pau Gasol was the hero for their victory. He was in terrific form scoring 28 points and also had 12 rebounds to his credit. This was after switching roles from his normal forward role due to the loss of an injured Andrew Bynum, who suffered a tear to his left Achilles' tendon.
"We lose a little size and gain a little speed," Gasol told reporters of playing without Bynum. "He's a big body who has really been effective for us in rebounding and shot-blocking."
Bynum, who missed more than 70 games the previous season, did not prove to be much of a miss as the Lakers put in a stellar show. He will miss a week and then will be re-evaluated.
Meanwhile, Gasol and Lamar Odom, changed roles as they had 13 rebounds, six assists, and four steal and three blocks between them.
Los Angeles had built up a lead of 26-points by the half-time as Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 24 points in the second quarter. This helped them to ward of a late challenge from the Wizards.
With this win, the Lakers now lead the Western Conference up to five games over the Denver Nuggets.
However, Lakers coach Phil Jackson, was not happy and wanted a more consistent performance for his team.
"The way we're playing we can't seem to sustain an effort for 48 minutes," Jackson said. "We didn't play with the intensity you have to play with."
Meanwhile, it was the 11th straight loss for the Lakers, which are now two adrift of a franchise record. Though, reserve guard Nick Young scored 22 points but he could not help the Wizards post a win which they haven’t managed to since Feb 28.
