Lakers spoil Cavs undefeated home record

A big game by Lamar Odom boosted the LA Lakers to a 101-91 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on Sunday.  Odom’s effort helped negate an “off night” for Kobe Bryant who played despite struggling with the effects of the flu.  The Lakers’ victory ended the Cavs undefeated home run at 23 games from the start of the season.  It was the team’s first loss at home since game 5 of last year’s first round playoff series against Washington.

Odom posted 28 points and 17 rebounds, including 15 during a decisive 31-15 third quarter Lakers’ run. Despite not being able to keep food down and needing an IV during halftime, Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and deserves a world of credit for playing when he could barely walk.  Pao Gasol added 18 points and 12 boards, with Derek Fisher chipping in for 13 points.  After the game, Lakers’ coach Phil Jackson was effusive in his praise of Odom:

"That was one of the best games he's played for us. He's had some spectacular games, but that was a terrific game. It was the total package of his game. He broke people down with his speed and quickness to the basket and got some easy shots.” 

Odom has stepped up nicely since Andrew Bynum’s knee injury, but suggested that he wasn’t content with personal accomplishments alone:

"We're playing for perfection. And in order to do that, it takes a lot of energy, focus and commitment to winning and doing whatever it takes. We got production from everyone.  I never play the game for stats.  It’s all about winning”

Zydrunas Ilgauskas led Cleveland with 22 points and 9 rebounds, with spurned All Star Moe Williams contributing 19 points.  The Lakers did a solid job containing LeBron James, who finished with 16 points 12 assists and 8 rebounds.  After the game, LeBron praised the Lakers’ effort and said that in a way he was glad the undefeated home run was over:

"You have to give the Lakers credit. I missed a lot of easy looks that I usually make. I didn't want it to happen. But I'm glad it's over." 

The Cavs will play at Indianapolis on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, followed by home game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday that will complete their pre-All Star break schedule.  The Lakers, meanwhile, will return to the Staples Center for a home game against Oklahoma City on Tuesday before concluding the first half of their season on Wednesday in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz.