Schedule is full of back-to-pack games

Andrew Bynum was dragging a large piece of luggage behind him after Monday’s practice, a sign and symbol of what awaits the Lakers over the next two months.

After a home-friendly first 20 games, they now hit the road for 22 of their next 32, beginning with consecutive games against two of the Western Conference’s top teams, Houston and Dallas.

The Lakers are ahead of expectations at 14-6 and atop the Pacific Division, but credit has been slow to accrue for a team with a 2-3 road record.

“That’s what they say is the knock on us, that we haven’t been on the road,” Bynum said.

“We’re going to have to go out and show them that we can.”

They defended their home court with fervor Sunday night, beating back San Antonio with a third quarter that Lamar Odom called the best defensive quarter he has experienced as a Laker. The Spurs committed nine turnovers and were outscored, 37-22, in 12 minutes of ferocity that led Coach Gregg Popovich to declare his team had “absolutely folded” against the Lakers’ pressure.

Armed with the knowledge they can play such defense, the Lakers are now hoping to disarm some critics by winning on the road.

“It’s a challenge,” Kobe Bryant said. “We hear those type of talks. For us, it’s about responding to that, for ourselves.”

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Bynum had six points, eight rebounds and a memorable blocked shot against Tim Duncan, but his favorite part of Sunday’s game was a left-handed flip over center Francisco Elson.

“I’ve been working on that,” said Bynum, a right-hander.

Bynum’s work ethic was recently questioned by Jackson after a handful of quiet games and a tardy appearance for pregame warmups, but Jackson was pleased with his effort against San Antonio.

“He really enjoys playing against the big-name centers,” Jackson said. “It really does make a difference to him to have to show against somebody who’s got a reputation.”

It would help the Lakers tonight if Bynum and Kwame Brown contain Houston center Yao Ming, who is averaging 25.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. He had 38 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots Saturday against Washington.

“I see the numbers that he puts up,” Bryant said. “He’s having some pretty crazy games. He’s obviously a player that we’ll have to try to control somewhat.”

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Bryant practiced a little Monday and his ankle felt better than it did Sunday. “It felt great, which is a great sign,” he said.... Despite all their successes, the Lakers average 17.7 turnovers a game, worst in the league. “We’ve got to get that down so that we can defend a little bit better on the road,” Jackson said.

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TONIGHT

at Houston, 5:30, Channel 9

Site -- Toyota Center.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 14-6; Rockets 14-6.

Record vs. Rockets (2005-06) -- 2-1.

Update -- The Rockets are giving up only 87.7 points a game, best in the league. Tracy McGrady will not play tonight because of back spasms. He is averaging 19.2 points, 6.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com