Lakers pass with flying colors

Sunday night's showdown with Houston was supposed to be the Lakers first big test. It turned into a rout.

After falling behind by as many as 16 points in the first half, the Lakers outscored the Rockets 61-34 in the second half to pull off a 111-82 victory Sunday night at Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant has 23 points, Pau Gasol had 20 and Jordan Farmar had 16. Aaron Brooks led Houston with 20 points off the bench. Tracy McGrady though, had his second straight dismal game, making just 1 of 11 shots and scoring just three points.