Inside the locker room

Here are a few of the better postgame comments after the Lakers hammered the Washington Wizards, 117-97, tonight at Staples Center. It wasn't much of a contest, but there were a few interesting views expressed after the Lakers improved to 34-8.

Coach Phil Jackson was pleased by Andrew Bynum's second good scoring and rebounding game in as many nights. Bynum led the Lakers with 23 points and 14 rebounds one night after scoring a career-high 42 points and taking 15 rebounds Wednesday against the Clippers.

"I thought that was a good sign," Jackson said when asked about Bynum's play. "I think he's focused on it (rebounding). He's made an effort. We said, 'Go get balls, just go get them. Don't let them come to you. Go fetch them.'"

Bynum on the team's improved play: "Everybody got shots. They were undermanned and we were able to take advantage of them. We went out there and played pretty decent defense the first three quarters. Understanding where to be and where we need to be for each other helps. We already have a strong defense and we're just getting better and better at it."

Bynum had this to say about playing against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday: "We're looking forward to that game. We definitely owe them one."