A rematch of the 2009 Western Conference Finals happened Thursday as the Lakers continued their Preseason run with a very impressive win with a score of 106-89. The Lakers improved in the Preseason to 6-1 with the win. The main news coming from the Lakers entering this game was Andrew Bynum who has led the Lakers to many of the wins in the Preseason would not be suiting up due to a right rotator cuff strain.

One of Kobe’s best games of the Preseason the World Champion MVP put up a team high 23 points while grabbing 6 boards. But Nuggets Carmelo Anthony also lit up the stat board recording 28 points and 6 rebounds. Lamar Odom was really the Key factor for the Lakers in this game he lit it up from beyond the arch shooting 5-8 from the three point line ending the game with 17 points, and 9 rebounds.

Bench players for the Lakers stepped up big on Thursday as they came into the game and finished it off. Josh Powell was very impressive bench player that stepped onto the court scoring 15 points while grabbing 6 rebounds, and made a lot of crucial plays for the Lakers. Shannon Brown also impressed with 10 points and 4 assists with just over 20 minutes on the court. The most impressive bench player who stepped up for the Lakers though was D.J. Mbenga doing it on the defensive end of the court by racking up 7 blocks and complementing it with an easy 8 points.

Status for Pau Gasol still remains out with a right hamstring strain. Phil Jackson commented on the Gasol injury stating that it is possible that Pau might have to sit out for the Lakers regular season opener on Tuesday. keep checking in with www.kobebryantdunks.com for the latest updates on Pau, Kobe, and the Lakers preseason.