Lakers try to make it 4-0 in Seattle

On Friday, superstar Kobe Bryant, wearing his new number 24, made his season debut with 23 points and six assists, helping the Lakers remain unbeaten with a 118-112 victory over the SuperSonics at the Staples Center.

Lamar Odom scored 28 points in the victory, as the Lakers started a season with three straight victories for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign when they won five in a row out of the gate.

Bryant, recovering from offseason knee surgery, missed the first two contests, a home win over Phoenix on Tuesday and a victory at Golden State Wednesday. He finished Friday’s game 8-of-15 from the floor and also handed out six assists, but turned the ball over six times.

Luke Walton scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Lakers, while Ronny Turiaf netted 13 and pulled down seven boards.

Ray Allen scored 30 points for the SuperSonics, who lost their second straight contest to start the new season. Rashard Lewis ended with 28 rebounds and eight rebounds, while Earl Watson registered 13 points and seven assists in defeat.

The Lakers have won two straight and three of their last four at Seattle

After tonight’s contest, the Lakers return home to host Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Seattle will hit the road for a five-game swing. The SuperSonics will visit Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Atlanta and NEw Jersey on the upcoming swing.

Seattle and the Lakers will play twice more this season. The teams will meet on April 6th at KeyArena and on April 15th at the Staples Center.