Lakers, Rockets try to extend winning streaks

LA begins a short two-game road trip. Superstar Kobe Bryant poured in a game- high 34 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Lakers past the San Antonio Spurs, 106-99, on Sunday at the Staples Center.

Bryant finished 13-of-25 from the floor in the win over San Antonio, while Lamar Odom scored 18 points, pulled down 11 boards and handed out nine assists for the Lakers, who have won two straight and five of their last six games overall.

The Lakers are 2-3 on the road this season. They will visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at American Airlines Center.

Houston plays in front of its fans before it embarks on a five-game road trip. On Saturday, All-Star center Yao Ming scored 38 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Rockets withstood a 41-point performance by Gilbert Arenas to hold on for a 114-109 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center.

Tracy McGrady ended with 28 points in the win over Washington for the Rockets, who have won two in a row and four of their last five games overall. McGrady had to leave the game in the third quarter with back spasms, and did not return.

McGrady, who is averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and a team-best 6.3 assists, is expected to miss tonight’s contest.

The Rockets are an impressive 8-1 at home this season, and have won six in a row at the Toyota Center. They will visit Golden State, the Lakers, Clippers, Portland and San Antonio on the upcoming road trip.

The Lakers, who have won two in a row over the Rockets, have captured three of their last four contests at Houston.