Mbenga Off To A Great Start...

Mbenga, the Congolese 7-footer, had started just two games in his entire career, getting one start in each of his first two NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. D.J. Mbenga made the most of a rare and first Lakers start tonight, with five points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in a win over the Grizzlies.

Other notes on tonight's game... The Lakers honored John Radcliffe, their longtime scorer, by presenting a championship ring to his wife, Carolyn. Radcliffe, who had held his job since 1961, died during the summer. ... Bryant is responsible for the three highest-scoring performances by an opponent in Grizzlies history, including a 60-point game in March 2007.