Lakers improve to 17-2 with 105-92 win over Bucks

LOS ANGELES (AP)—A stubborn defense by the Los Angeles Lakers compensated for a disjointed offense that committed 25 turnovers. The cold-shooting Milwaukee Bucks weren’t able to capitalize much at the other end, though.

Kobe Bryant had 20 points and a season-high eight assists, Derek Fisher added 19 points, and the Lakers coasted to a 105-92 victory on Sunday that improved their record to 17-2 and equaled the best 19-game start in the franchise’s 61-year history.

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Lakers edge struggling Wizards 106-104

By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Sports Writer - December 5, 2008

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WASHINGTON (AP)—Kobe Bryant’s first field-goal attempt, officially, came about 5 minutes into Friday night’s game.

Finding his path blocked on a drive into the lane, Bryant “shot” the ball off the glass right back to himself, then threw a perfect pass to Pau Gasol for a wide-open jumper. Bryant drew louder “oohs” and “aahs” later with a double-pump, two-handed reverse jam off a behind-the-back feed from Trevor Ariza.

Bryant entertained enough to draw “M-V-P!” chants again on the road, but he and his teammates on the best-in-the-West Lakers also nearly found a way to blow a 20-point lead against the worst-in-the-East Wizards before pulling out a 106-104 victory.

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Lakers beat 76ers in Philadelphia

By DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer - December 3, 2008

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PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Kobe Bryant heard some different sounds from the hometown crowd during his usual mix of rally-killing 3-pointers and straight-to-YouTube baskets.

Long reviled in Philadelphia, Bryant heard some cheers, even some “MVP!” chants this time around.

Winning a game and winning over fans made it a good night for Bryant.

Bryant tormented his hometown team again, scoring 32 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers rebound from a last-second loss with a 114-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

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Pacers handed the Lakers its second loss

By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer - December 2, 2008

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—Troy Murphy and Danny Granger spent most of Tuesday night working to keep the Pacers close to the Lakers. They spent those final few seconds like everyone else in Conseco Fieldhouse — watching, waiting and wondering if Murphy’s tantalizing tip would actually drop through the net. It did—just as the buzzer sounded.

Murphy’s game-winner completed an improbable comeback and gave the Pacers a desperately needed 118-117 victory after replay reviews confirmed the basket was good.

Kobe Bryant finished with 28 points, becoming the second-fastest player in league history to reach 22,000 career points, behind Wilt Chamberlain. Pau Gasol scored 20 points and 9 rebounds while Andrew Bynum had 17 and 9.

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Gasol, Kobe help Lakers beat Raptors

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Kobe Bryant spent the fourth quarter on the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench, content in watching the second unit blow the game open. The last thing on his mind was Wilt Chamberlain.

This kind of trend—and attitude—has the defending Western Conference champions off to an NBA-best 14-1 record.

Pau Gasol had 24 points and nine rebounds, Bryant had 23 points and a season-high seven assists, and the Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 112-99 on Sunday night for their seventh straight victory.

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