Kobe’s return equals win for Lakers

Bryant shot 19-of-29 and was a perfect 7-of-7 from behind the arc for the Lakers, who stopped a season-high five-game losing streak. The seven-time All- Star was suspended two games by the NBA for his flagrant foul on Memphis’ Mike Miller during LA’s 100-99 overtime loss on December 28th at the Staples Center.

Smush Parker put in a career-high 24 points and Chris Mihm added 13 points and seven rebounds for Los Angeles, which snapped a three-game losing streak against Philadelphia.

The Lakers completely dominated for much of the game and had season-high’s in points scored, margin of victory, and field goals made.

Allen Iverson had 31 points and seven assists and Andre Iguodala added 14 points for the Sixers, who concluded their season-long seven-game road trip with back-to-back defeats. They finished 2-5 during the trip.

It was tight early in the first quarter. Iverson put in a driving layup to draw within 14-13 with 6:25 left.

However, Parker drained a trey on the Lakers next possession to spark a 13-3 run capped off by a Bryant layup to make it 27-16 with under three minutes remaining. The Lakers led 37-22 going into the second quarter.

Philadelphia made it a 10-point game after Iguodala hit a jumper to make it 54-44 with a little under four minutes left until halftime.

Los Angeles scored 13 of the final 21 points and Bryant hit a free throw to complete a three-point play in the closing seconds of the half to make it a 67-52 game at the break.

The Sixers cut their deficit to nine about halfway through the third quarter on the strength of a Chris Webber three-point play to make it 73-64.

The Lakers responded, though, with a small 7-2 spurt and increased their lead to 14 points, 80-66, after Sasha Vujacic drained a three-pointer.

LA held a 94-75 lead going into the final 12 minutes.

Philadelphia never seriously threatened in the final quarter. The closest the Sixers got to was within 17 points several times.

Game Notes

The Lakers play the Clippers on Saturday...Philadelphia returns home to host Seattle on Monday...Lakers coach Phil Jackson has never lost six consecutive games during his career as head coach...Bryant also had 10 rebounds in the game...Webber finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds...Laker Lamar Odom had eight points, 12 assists and seven rebounds.