Bynum returns to Kobe's side
By NBA.com staff reports
Posted Apr 10 2009 7:33AM
It's been 32 games and the Staples Center has missed the presence of a certain 7-footer in the paint. Tonight the Lakers (and Los Angelenos) got their wish with the return of center Andrew Bynum.
Wearing a black brace on his knee, Bynum was greeted with cheers when his name was announced in the starting lineup. Another loud eruption came when the Lakers' announcer asked fans to welcome back the center.
Bynum did not disapoint in his return either. He was matched up against a gritty No. 2 seed Denver Nuggets team and put up 16 points in 21 minutes. Bynum's faitful leader, Kobe Bryant, noticed the big man was slowly getting his step back but was still a bit shaky with his timing under the basket.
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points, Pau Gasol added 27 points and 19 rebounds.
The win was the fifth straight for the Lakers (63-16) and tied them with the idle Cleveland Cavaliers (63-15) for the league lead.
Carmelo Anthony had 23 points to lead the Nuggets, who lost for the first time in nine games and failed to secure the Northwest Division title and the No. 2 seed in the West. J.R. Smith had 19 points, while Chauncey Billups and Nene each added 17.
Chicago 113, Philadelphia 99
Houston 115, Sacramento 98
L.A. Lakers 116, Denver 102
After scoring 33 points in the match up against the Nuggets, Kobe Bryant remains two points away from passing Charles Barkely on the NBA's career scoring list. Barkley isn't too found on Kobe passing him on the list and expressed it on the set of TNT's Inside The NBA . When Barkley discovered the Lakers will play the Trail Blazers next he said, "Shut [Kobe] down Brandon Roy!"
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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