The Lakers bounced back quickly after experiencing two consecutive defeats. Currently, they own a four-game winning streak, including a three-game road trip they took last week. On that road trip, the Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks (118-107), Detroit Pistons (103-90) and Minnesota Timberwolves (112-95) before coming home to face the Golden State Warriors for the second time this season.

Against the Warriors, the star of the affair was Pau Gasol; he was perfect from the start. Gasol contributed 28 points on 10-of-10 from the field and eight-of-eight behind the free throw line. Additionally, he pitched in nine rebounds, five dimes and four blocked shots in 30 minutes of play en route to leading the Lakers to an enormous 117-89 win. Kobe Bryant chipped in 20 points, six boards and five assists, while Lamar Odom (15) and Shannon Brown (17) collected double figures in scoring as well. Odom added 10 rebounds, and Brown had four.

Starting point guard Derek Fisher had eight points, four assists and three steals, while Matt Barnes registered nine points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. As always, Barnes’ energy and defensive presence was felt in his 20 minutes on the court.

The Lakers defense looked sharp against the NorCal team, as they held the visitors to under 36 percent shooting and forced 17 turnovers.

Los Angeles (12-2) is the best NBA scoring squad thus far in this campaign. The Lakers have pounded 100 points or more in all but one game this season, which came in a five-point victory over visiting Minnesota (99-94) on Nov. 9.

Through 14 games, the Lakers do not hold the best team record in the league. However, they are really not worried about that as of now, especially because their starting center has not even played a single second of basketball this season. Rumor has it that Andrew Bynum is set to make his season debut this coming Friday, Nov. 26, in Utah against the Jazz.