Lakers big men in foul trouble early

Right off the bat Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, it showed just how much the Lakers miss center Andrew Bynum, who is out with a left knee injury.

Kwame Brown, starting in Bynum's absence, picked up two fouls in the first quarter. He took a seat on the bench with 4:18 left.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson turned to D.J. Mbenga, who signed a 10-day contract Monday night.

Mbenga picked up two fouls in less than two minutes and he turned the ball over twice, once leading to a foul being called on him.

That left 6-9 Ronny Turiaf to come in at center to play against the 7-1 Tim Duncan.