Lakers Up at the Half vs. Grizz, 51-46 (videos)

Kobe Bryant took a different approach to tonight’s game as Carlos Boozer was back into the Lakers’ starting lineup.  Instead of looking for his own shot, he took on the role of being Ron Harper, the Chicago Bulls version.  The rest of the Laker team had to pick up their aggression in the first quarter.  Jeremy Lin was aggressive and hit a couple of three point shots, along with a pull-up midrange jumper that had Mike Conley on ice skates.

Into the second quarter, Ronnie Price was subbed in.  His defensive presence was felt, with great pressure against the Grizzlies backcourt.  He took a charge against Pondexter as well.  The surprise, though, was Ronnie Price, setting up Beno Udrih.  He crossed him over, attacked the basket, and finished with an And-1.  It was easily his best isolation move of the season.  Kobe Bryant had an unforced turnover, caused by overpassing.  After that play, he looked more assertive, and out to create his own shot.

Despite the added aggression, he kept taking Grizzly defenders into the post, going out of his way to find a passing lane to a teammate.  Unfortunately, his teammates haven’t been as kind hitting shots.  Kobe Bryant finished with 8 points on just one made field goal, 1 assist, and 3 rebounds.  Jeremy Lin finished the half with 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting from the field, 4 assists, and 3 turnovers.

Mike Conley and Zach Randolph have been leading the way for the Grizzlies.  Conley finished with 11 points with two made 3-point field goals, while Randolph finished with 10 points on 4 of 7 shooting from the field.

It has been a reasonably slow, half-court oriented game, which should favor the Grizzlies.  However, if the rest of the Laker team maintains their aggression, this game is a possible win against the best team in the NBA right now.