Lakers vs. Rockets

Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who was eventually ejected after picking up two technical fouls in the second half, pleads his case with a referee during the game against the Rockets on Friday night at Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers point guard Steve Blake protects the ball from Rockets point guard Goran Dragic in the second half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant spins toward the basket for a shot against the Rockets in the second half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Pat Riley, former Lakers player, commentator and coach, waves to the crowd as he’s honored along with other members of the 1972 Lakers during a ceremony at halftime Friday night. Also pictured (from left) are Gail Goodrich, Jerry West and Bill Sharman.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum challenges a shot by Rockets center Samuel Dalembert in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum spins to the basket as he’s defended by Rockets center Marcus Camby in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forwards Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol can only chuckle after making a turnover under the basket in the first half against the Rockets on Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum pleads his case with referee Nick Buckert in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Metta World Peace runs into some resistance from Rockets center Marcus Camby on a drive to the basket in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions glides to the basket for a layup past Rockets guard Courtney Lee in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum flips a pass around Rockets center Samuel Dalembert in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol tries to drive past Rockets power forward Luis Scola in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Metta World Peace tries to slip past Rockets guard Courtney Lee for a layup in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions drives through the heart of the Rockets defense for a layup in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Power forwards Luis Scola of the Rockets and Pau Gasol of the Lakers battle for a rebound in the first half Friday night at Staples Center.   (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)