"For a while, it seemed nostalgic.

The Lakers sized up a weaker opponent Tuesday night at Staples Center, figured out its weaknesses within a few moments and exploited them again and again and again. The Lakers played with ruthless efficiency, showing no mercy.

They used to do this all the time when they were winning NBA championships back in the day. You know, like, two seasons ago. They used to beat a lesser team into submission early, rest their starters and turn the game over to their backups.

Led by Kobe Bryant, the Lakers charged in front of the lowly Charlotte Bobcats in the opening seconds of the game, built a 24-point lead by halftime and completed an easy 106-73 victory with their starters on the bench."