The Return of Bynum

Photo courtesy of ESPN

On the day before New Years, L.A. Lakers center Andrew Bynum returned with a furry. Back from a four game suspension, the 24 year-old center scored a game-high 29 points, en route to the Lakers 92-89 win over the Denver Nuggets.

Lakers stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol each added 17 points to help the purple and gold win.

The bench, after having such an important role against the New York Knicks, played rather poorly.  In total,  the second unit only mustered 16 points.

The Lakers are now 3-2 after an 0-2 start.  L.A.'s offense has performed well, but it is the defense that has made more of an effect.  The defense has kept opposing teams under 90 points in 4 of the 5 games played so far this season.

Denver is getting an immediate rematch against the Lakers. The teams face each other tomorrow, this time in the Nuggets home court.