The Lakers played without Pau Gasol and Andrew
Bynum, but DJ Mbenga was plenty healthy.
The third-string center had seven blocked shots, and the Lakers
defeated the Denver Nuggets, 106-89, in an exhibition game Thursday at
the Honda Center.
Bynum was out because of a strained rotator cuff in his right
shoulder, and Gasol was out because of a strained right hamstring,
forcing Coach Phil Jackson to start Mbenga to
counteract physical Denver center Nene.
It definitely worked.
In addition to his blocked shots, Mbenga outscored Nene, 8-3.
Gasol will also sit out Friday's rematch against the Nuggets in San
Diego. In fact, he might miss the season opener Tuesday against the
Clippers, Jackson said.
Kobe Bryant had 23 points and Lamar Odom
had 17 for the Lakers, who improved to 6-1 in exhibition play. Denver
forward Carmelo Anthony had 28 points.
-- Mike Bresnahan
Photo: Lakers forward Lamar Odom challenges the shot of Nuggets
guard J.R. Smith during Thursday night's exhibition game at the Honda
Center. Credit: Francis Specker / Associated Press
