Lakers 122, Hawks 93 - Atlanta had a bad draw. They were coming into a pumped-up Staples Center that hadn't seen the Lakers play a home game in weeks. They were coming in against a team rejuvenated by Pau Gasol. They were coming in against a Kobe Bryant with something to prove. Before halftime, the Lakers had a 41 point lead.

Gasol and Bryant each scored 23. Bryant whacked his hand a couple times and insisted he didn't have any problem playing through the pain. He shot 8-for-16 in the game, with 5 steals, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. He also threw down a couple dunks.

It looks like the AP sent a different photographer to the game, Jeff Lewis, who did an awesome job.

Next up, the Lakers head to Phoenix for Shaq's first game in a Suns uniform. That's tonight. Don't miss it.

Elsewhere - Five years after retiring, 60% of NBA players go broke ... Pedro missed the plate, but only because he pitches with his eyes closed ... If skiers hate snowboarders, what are they going to think about Subarus on the slopes?

Today's Action - Lakers @ Phoenix (6:00pm) ... Memphis @ Clippers (7:30pm) ... Colorado @ Ducks (7:00pm).

AP photo by Jeff Lewis.