Slam Dunk Central

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant’s second-half points, combined with 6 teammates scoring in double-digits was just too much Sunday night as they defeated the Golden State Warriors 123-113 at Staples Center. Neither team led by more than seven points in the first half, which had Los Angeles leading 60-59, courtesy of an 11-3 Lakers run; Bryant scored 8 first-half points.Golden State scored 12 consecutive points for a 71-68 lead early in the third period; they led 73-70 when 3-pointers by Bryant and Derek Fisher triggered an 18-4 Lakers run that put Los Angeles ahead 88-77. The Warriors couldn’t put up a serious challenge thereafter. Bryant led all Lakers scorers with 28 points; he also recorded 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Andrew Bynum had a strong game with 20 rebounds, 11 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. Fisher added 15, while Vladimir Radmanovic and Lamar Odom chipped in 14 each; Odom also grabbed 10 boards.

Golden State was led by Baron Davis with 20 points; he also had 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Stephen Jackson added 18, while Monta Ellis chipped in with 13, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Los Angeles (12-8) continues their homestand by hosting the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night, while Golden State (11-9) returns home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.