Lakers Reject Bucks On The Road

MILWAUKEE, WI– Kobe Bryant and Brian Cook proved to be too much for the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday night in the first of back-to-back road games.

Bryant’s amazing block on Michael Redd’s dunk attempt with 25.5 seconds left created a Milwaukee turnover and sealed the game for the Lakers. After back-to back threes from Chucky Atkins and Brian Cook sustained a lead for the Lakers, Redd appeared wide open on a fast break for an uncontested dunk. Bryant raced over and went up with two hands as he stuffed Redd’s dunk and caused him to turn it over.

Brian Cook had possibly the best game of his young career for the Lakers, racking up both career highs in points and rebounds. Cook finished the game with 25 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 10/14 from the field. Of those shots were five three-pointers, as he stretched the defense all night with his hot perimeter shooting. Four of Cook’s rebounds were on the offensive boards, as he did a great job of giving the Lakers second chances.

Kobe Bryant also paved the way for Laker victory, recording a near triple-double, with 20 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. Bryant served as a creator all night, and many of his assists were to Brian Cook for his multiple three-pointers. Kobe had yet another all-around game, doing it all for the Lakers on both offense and defense. Once again, Bryant played the role of defensive stopper on Michael Redd, holding him to just 8 points on 3/13 shooting. In concordance, his key defensive stop on Redd ensured victory and gave the Lakers a crucial road win.

Once again, Lamar Odom delievered yet another double-double performance. Odom scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while adding 5 assists on the side. Lamar looked to be very agressive on the offensive end, showing he could both penetrate and shoot from the outside effectively. Odom is doing the hard work that helps the Lakers win battles inside the paint and letting his presence be felt.

To top if off for the Laker starters, although they both had a sub-par shooting night, Chucky Atkins and Caron Butler chipped in with 13 and 10 points respectively. Atkins struggled for most of the game on both ends of the floor, but hit a clutch shot from beyond the arc that would put the Lakers ahead for good. Butler’s outside shooting helped the Lakers spread the floor, yet it wasn’t Caron’s best game.

The Lakers now move to 9-6 on the year, just a half game out of 4th in the West behind Sacramento. They will travel to the Windy City for the finale of the back-to-back road trip against the Chicago Bulls for Wednesday night’s matchup. Tip-off is at 5:45 PM PST and we will have live gameday coverage on ClubLakers.com as always.

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