Kobe Bryant scored 61 points in a Bynum Less effort tonight against the New York Knicks.
Pau Gasol had 31 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers’ first game since losing Bynum, for eight to 12 weeks with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Kobe went 19-of-31 and hit all 20 free throws.
Andrew Bynum was injured Saturday at Memphis when Kobe missed a powerful layup, then crashed into his leg. He isn’t expected to need surgery and said he was confident he would return in time for the playoffs.
Lamar Odom moved into the starting lineup and Gasol slid to the center spot to replace Bynum. Odom had six points and 14 rebounds.
Gasol and Odom were too big for the small Knicks, the Lakers will play the more elite east teams when they face the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers this week.
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