Bynum's Return Sparks Offense

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets, their 63rd win of the season. Andrew Bynum made his long awaited return from a knee injury, starting and playing 21:05 minutes. The Lakers took 46 free-throw attempts, forcing 32 fouls, as opposed to Denver's 29 trips to the line. LA had 18 offensive rebounds, helping propel the Lakers from a dismal .425 shooting percentage. The Laker bench had another solid outing, scoring 32 points and grabbing 7 steals. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 33 points, and Pau Gasol had 27 points, and a career-high 19 rebounds, 11 of which came off the offensive glass. Bynum had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 23 points, and J.R. Smith scored 19 off the bench. Chauncey Billups added 17 points and 8 assists.