Half: Lakers 45, Bobcats 35

The Lakers took the Charlotte Bobcats seriously this time, no question. They led by as many as 13 points in the first half tonight at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant scored 16 points and Andrew Bynum had 13 rebounds. The Lakers scored 28 out 45 points from the paint, including 12 of their first 14. D.J. Augustin had 11 points for the Bobcats, who beat the Lakers by 20 points in a Feb. 14 game at Charlotte.