The defending NBA champions cruised to an easy victory in Los Angeles Sunday night. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and Shannon Brown added 15 as the Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 104-88.

Early in the 1st quarter, Bryant finished Derek Fisher's alley-oop pass with a two-fisted jam. Lakers led by three.

Later in the quarter, Kobe hit a turnaround jumper at the baseline...the Lakers increased their lead to seven.

Moments later, new Laker Ron Artest Los Angeles got off to a great start, ahead by 10 over New Orleans.

Midway through the second quarter, Bryant continued his attack in the post he hit another turnaround fade-away jumper...Kobe poured-in 26 points in the first half.

Team play by the Lakers, counting down to halftime...Fisher from the left corner hits the three at the buzzer. Los Angeles went to the second half with a 13-point advantage. The Lakers opened a 27-point lead in the third quarter and coasted to a 6-1 start with their 5th straight win.