Half: Lakers 59, Hornets 41

NEW ORLEANS -- Andrew Bynum got his first start tonight, one day after Lakers coach Phil Jackson said, "Absolutely not," when asked if the 7-foot center was ready to join the starting lineup. Bynum sat out the season's first 24 games after undergoing right knee surgery July 28. He made an immediate impact against the New Orleans Hornets, scoring eight points on 4-for-6 shooting and taking three rebounds in 14 minutes, 17 seconds in the first half. Lamar Odom moved to a backup role and scored 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting. Kobe Bryant also scored 11 points as the Lakers led by as many as 20 points.