Halftime: Lakers 62, Suns 55

Concerns that the Lakers’ bench would be run off the end of the floor by their Phoenix Suns counterparts proved unfounded in the first half of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals tonight at Staples Center. Lamar Odom erupted for 15 points and eight rebounds and the Lakers’ backups outscored the Suns’ reserves, 22-13. Odom couldn’t be stopped on drives to the basket, making 7 of 9 shots. Jordan Farmar added five points and Josh Powell rebounded a Kobe Bryant miss just before halftime and dunked. The Lakers led most of the way after going on an 18-4 run to end the first quarter. Their biggest lead was 11 points.