Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - March 14

(Basketball News) - Kobe Bryant poured in 35 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an 88-81 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at the United Center.

Bryant, still battling a right shoulder injury, turned it on in the fourth quarter, recording 12 straight points with the game on the line to give Los Angeles its first win in three seasons in Chicago. Shaquille O’Neal added 16 points and a team-high 15 boards for the Lakers, winners in five of their last seven contests.

Karl Malone, in his second game back from a knee injury, posted 10 points, 13 boards, and seven assists. Lakers forward Horace Grant sat out the contest with a hip flexor strain.

Bryant has averaged 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his last three games.

The Lakers are off until Monday when they host Tracy McGrady and the Orlando Magic. It will be the second and final meeting of the season between the two squads. On February 8, the Lakers beat Orlando, 98-96, at TD Waterhouse Centre.