Lakers 39, Nuggets 29, End of First
Denver got to the rim repeatedly in the first 12 minutes. Dunks, putbacks ... it looked like a layup line.
AND, Kobe Bryant not only doesn't have a point, he hasn't taken a shot.
But the Lakers are up 10 because Derek Fisher made 6-of-8, including two threes, and has 16 points -- only 13 short of his career single-game high.
Jordan Farmar came on to make another five points on 2-of-3 shooting, giving the Lakers' point guards 21 points in the quarter.
Allen Iverson, the guy who should be checking those guys, in theory, has eight points, which is fine, but he's letting people run free at the other end.
I will say, the Little Kid, as Larry Brown inevitably referred to AI him during the 2001 NBA Finals, is still quick as all get out. No one Laker can stay in front o fhim. Still.
Kobe's lack of shots is a function of a little guy (Anthony Carter) chasing him around aggressively, and the Nuggets sending a big man to double team him every time he catches the ballo. So he's giving it up over and again, and so far it's working out.
Oh, and check this: The Lakers have 47 points and Kobe has none of them, even though he has been on the floor all 15 minutes and 20 seconds of game action so far. What are the odds of that?