6. December 25, 2012: Lakers 100 Knicks 94
Did someone mention Christmas? By far, the most impressive win of the season, considering the Lakers had just been taken apart by this very same Knicks squad not two weeks early at Madison Square Garden. The Lakers had five players in double-figures, held the 7th best offense (102.3 per game) below 100, and protected the ball to the tune of just 11 team turnovers. Dwight Howard was limited to just 14 points and 12 rebounds, but was 6-9 from the free throw line, and made several key contributions down the stretch. In fact, it should be noted that Howard is currently in the midst of a 29/46 (63+ percent) stretch from the line over his last six games.
5. April 11, 2012: Lakers 98 Spurs 84
Remember when ex-Laker Andrew Bynum snatched 30 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers went into San Antonio and stole a road victory with Kobe Bryant sitting out due to injury? I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels as though that seems like a lifetime ago. Metta World Peace was absolutely phenomenal in Bryant’s absence, as he scored 26 points on 10-15 FG’s (5-8 from beyond the arc). The huge rebound totals weren’t the only anomaly of the box score, as the Lakers were able to also overcome a rare combined 16-44 FG (36 percent) night from their two big men. In yet another strange twist, this was also the game where Bynum decided to chase Steve Blake at the end of the game with the hopes of shooting another 3-pointer. I guess, Sir Bynum, you do truly only live once…
Next Page: Lakers Storm Back to Beat the Thunder
