Lakers fill in during Andrew Bynum’s absence

Among the highlights of my breakdown of the Lakers’ 120-112 victory over the Golden State Warriors:

• The Lakers don’t expect Andrew Bynum’s injury to be serious. He suffered a left ankle injury that the team described as “moderately sprained” after he received X-rays that turned out negative. He will be reexamined again on Monday
• We’ve seen Kobe Bryant back from shooting slumps and it’s amazing to see him bounce back so quickly. Besides from his never-ending drive, it’s pretty simple. Bryant scored 40 points by attacking the basket more.
• Ramon Sessions played much more aggressively en route to a 23-point performance. He’s trying to find the perfect mix between looking to score and facilitate.
• The Lakers really need to focus more on defense. They allowed at least 100 points in four of the past five games, a huge reason why the Lakers couldn’t get the ice bags out early.
• It remains to be seen if the Lakers can absorb Bynum’s absence, however long that may be. But Pau Gasol, Troy Murphy and Josh McRoberts fared well in hustling on the boards.

Kobe Bryant on the public wondering whether he can recover from poor shooting nights or fatigue: “We’re all surrounded by idiots.”

Pau Gasol on increasing his productiond during Andrew Bynum’s absence:”When everybody is healthy, I just don’t get those looks and those kind of touches. It is what it is.

Ramon Sessions says he feels like he’s learned 70% of the team’s offensive and defensive concepts after scoring a season-high 23 points against Golden State:

Lakers Coach Mike Brown on Bynum’s injury: “”I think it’s OK. He was able to walk out fine.”