The Lakers refused to part with Bynum for players like Jason Kidd and Jermaine O’Neal and they are starting to reap the benefits of those decisions. Bynum is getting a lot of playing time due to Kwame Brown being out with injuries and he’s making the most of it. In 14 games this season, Bynum is averaging 25.7 minutes, 11.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 blocked shots per game. Bynum also is a solid shooter as he has nailed 58.5% from the floor (mostly from close range) and he has also hit 72.1% of his free throws this season. Look out if the Lakers let Bynum start playing 35+ minutes per game because he has the talent to dominate the paint.

Center Kwame Brown is out indefinately with a sprained MCL. He has played in 7 games (6 starts) so far this season and he has averaged 21.0 minutes, 4.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He better hurry back as Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm have both been playing well and there might not be many minutes left for Brown.

The Lakers have acquired small forward Trevor Ariza from the Magic for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans. Ariza can really run the floor and he has a much bigger upside than either of the players the Lakers traded. Ariza has played in 11 games (0 starts) so far this season and he has averaged 10.5 minutes, 3.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. Ariza has now played in 205 games (29 starts) in his NBA career and he has averaged 18.4 minutes, 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Mark my words, this was a good trade for the Lakers.

The Lakers rushed out to a 61-49 halftime lead but they had to fight to hold off the Rockets last night. The Lakers also played solid defense as they held the Rockets to 35.3% shooting from the floor. Kobe Bryant led the way for the Lakers with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Derek Fisher pitched in with 13 points and 2 assists. Lamar Odom had a solid game with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. The Lakers are now 4-3 on the season.

The Lakers fell behind 54-38 in the first half of this game and they never made a game of it. Kobe led the way for the Lakers with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots. Jordan Farmar only played 22 minutes last night but he still scored 16 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. Lamar Odom had another solid game with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The Lakers are now 3-3 on the season.