Lakers trying to stay 'optimistic' after Bynum goes down

The Los Angeles Lakers are gunning for their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance but have hit their first real crossroad of the season. The Lakers won their 37th game of the year but the win was tempered by the uncertain status of Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who left the game in the first quarter with a sprained right knee. X-rays were negative and further tests will be done Sunday in New York where the Lakers face the Knicks the following day.

"Great disappointment. It took the wind out of the whole team in the first half, and that was a reason we played like we did,'' Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said. "We have to stay optimistic about it. That's all we can do.''

The injury occurred at about the 7-minute mark of the first quarter under the Lakers' basket. Kobe Bryant was drove to the basket, missed the shot and crashed into Bynum's right leg. Bynum immediately grabbed his knee.

The two were on the ground under their basket as the Grizzlies went to the other end. After Los Angeles gained possession, they called time out. Bynum was helped to the locker room with Los Angeles leading 13-11.

Bynum missed the final 46 games of last season with a left knee injury he suffered against Memphis on Jan. 13, 2008.

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New York 122, Indiana 113
New Jersey 85, Philadelphia 83
Dallas 111, Miami 96
L.A. Lakers 115, Memphis 98
Washington 106, L.A. Clippers 94
Milwaukee 110, Atlanta 107
Houston 110, Golden State 93
San Antonio 106, New Orleans 93
Chicago 122, Phoenix 111
Portland 122, Utah 108

Dwyane Wade was honored at halftime of the Mavs-Heat game, along with Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, for winning Olympic gold. Banners in their honor were uncovered next to the one commemorating the 2006 NBA title.

Samuel Dalembert played in his 236th straight game for the Sixers, a day after he sprained his left ankle. He scored only two points in 15 minutes. Dalembert credited time in a hyperbaric chamber for the speedy recovery. He said he bought one about a year ago

"Tony [Parker] and Chris [Paul] were great. They went after each other. "They put on a hell of a performance.'' -- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich after the Hornets-Spurs game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.