HALFTIME REPORT: Woodson ices red hot Joe Johnson helping Lakers to 64-58 halftime lead!

The Lakers have taken a 64-58 halftime lead as they try to bounce back from Friday’s crushing defeat at the hands of Mark Cuban’s Mavericks. The game started out with a white hot Joe Johnson who made 7 of his first 8 from the field for 18 quick points in the first 9 minutes. Then inexplicably, Hawks coach Mike Woodson yanked Johnson for 8 minutes. Dumb. Dumber than dumb. Atlanta had the lead and the hottest player on the floor and the lead, and Woodson found a way to screw it up.

Kobe started out shooting 5-12 from the field in the 1st quarter, then went 3-5 in the 2nd. He’s got 19pts, 2 rebounds and 0 assists. Andrew Bynum started slow, but he hot 2-3 in the 2nd quarter for 10pts at the half. After shooting 44% as a team in the 1st quarter, the Lakers (respectable), then improved to 7-14 (67%) in the second 12. Overall, the Lakers are shooting a sizzling 54% from the field.

Johnson eventually returned for Atlanta, but he has cooled off going 0-2 after his return. The trio of 23yo frontcourt stars for the Hawks – Josh Smith, Al Horford and Marvin Williams – combined for 12pts on 4-12. Jamal Crawford, who was acquired from Golden St. during the offseason, is providing a spark off the bench with 9pts in 12 minutes.

One important note for Laker fans. Pau Gasol is still out with that strained hamstring, but Phil Jackson says that he will make the quick Tuesday-Wednesday roadtrip. That’s no guarantee that he will play, but he may indicate that he’s getting closer to game-ready.