Lakers 51, Rockets 31 at the half

The Lakers doubled their first-quarter lead with a double dose of defense in the second quarter. They were aggressive, quick and downright stingy.

Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum really came to play today. Ariza leads all scorers with 13 points while Bynum has eight points, five boards and two blocks shots. More importantly, he looks active defensively for the first time in a while.

Pau Gasol has 11 points and Von Wafer is keeping the Rockets in it with eight points off the bench.