Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - November 22

(Basketball News) - Kobe Bryant compiled 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers handed winless Chicago a 102-93 defeat at Staples Center.

Caron Butler added 21 points for the Lakers, who had all five starters finish in double-figures as the defending Western Conference champs won for the third time in four games. Chris Mihm racked up 18 points and 10 rebounds, Lamar Odom posted 12 points and 12 boards, while Chucky Atkins drained four three- pointers in a 14-point effort.

Bryant has scored 20 or more points in nine of the Lakers’ 10 games this season. After 10 contests, Bryant leads the Lakers in scoring (27.9 ppg) and assists (5.9 apg).

After a Kirk Hinrich trey with 5:30 remaining tied the contest at 84-84, the Lakers scored the next eight points to pull away. Los Angeles reclaimed the lead when Mihm sunk a hook shot on the following possession, and Odom was fouled after making a layup with 4:09 to go for a four-point edge. He made the ensuing foul shot to put the Lakers up 89-84 before Butler capped the run with a three- pointer which virtually sealed the win.

The Lakers return to the court on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.