Halftime: Bucks 57, Lakers 55

MILWAUKEE -- The Lakers played their best first half in three games, but still trailed the Milwaukee Bucks at halftime tonight. The Lakers' offensive rhythm was much improved. They passed the ball much better and shot it better, too. Kobe Bryant had 15 points in the first half. Lamar Odom had 11 and Sasha Vujacic led the Bench Mob with 10. Richard Jefferson led the Bucks with 14. The Lakers shot 55 percent; the Bucks shot 56 percent.