Kobe leads Lakers past struggling Knicks

Bryant didn’t necessarily feel comfortable with his jump shot so the guard found other ways to score, particularly by attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Bryant finished 23-of-26 from the foul line for the contest, as the club made 43-of-58.

Smush Parker added a backcourt complement to Bryant with a 15-point performance and rookie Andrew Bynum was a perfect 7-of-7 from the floor for 16 points, as the Lakers won for the third time in the last four games.

Chris Mihm added 14 points and Lamar Odom posted a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. Sasha Vujacic, a little used reserve guard joined the Garden Party with 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting.

A chorus of unhappiness could be heard in many forms throughout the Garden as the contest typified the Knicks’ disappointing season. New York dropped its third straight game and has lost nine of its last 10 games.

Qyntel Woods scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Quentin Richardson contributed 14 points and Stephon Marbury added 12 points in the loss.

New York jumped out to an 18-9 lead, but Los Angeles used a 22-4 burst to grab a comfortable edge at the end of the first stanza. Parker scored six points and Bryant drained 7-of-8 free throws on his way to a 14-point first quarter.

The onslaught continued during the second period, as the Lakers used a 12-0 spurt to open a 49-30 lead. Parker, Bryant and Devean George all scored during the stretch and Bryant capped the burst with four straight free throws.

LA led 60-44 at the half.

The Lakers slowly continued the rout during the third period, methodically outscoring the Knicks 37-28 in the quarter.

The lead grew to 35 points, 124-89, on two free throws by Bynum with 1:51 left in the contest. New York’s previous largest deficit was in San Antonio on December 2 when it trailed 86-54 at one stage.

Game Notes

Los Angeles shot 57.4 percent from the floor...The Knicks shot 41.9 percent, but did make 20-of-24 from the free throw line...The Lakers have won three straight meetings with the Knicks...Los Angeles continues a season-long seven- game road trip at Indiana on Wednesday.