Odom and Lakers down New Jersey

Kobe Bryant added 19 points, six rebounds and 10 assists for the Lakers, who won for the fifth time in six games. Smush Parker and Kwame Brown each chipped in with 13 points while rookie Jordan Farmar had 11

Vince Carter had 21 points and 11 boards for the struggling Nets, who finished winless on a four-game road swing and lost their fifth straight overall. Nenad Krstic tallied 20 points while Richard Jefferson and rookie Marcus Williams had 14 points apiece.

Jason Kidd dished out 16 assists for New Jersey but had just seven points and five turnovers.

The Nets raced out to a 33-24 edge after the opening 12 minutes and led 48-43 at intermission.

The Lakers turned the tables with a dominating third quarter, outscoring New Jersey 30-18, to forge in front. A string of seven consecutive points, featuring a Bryant jumper and a Luke Walton triple gave Los Angeles a 64-60 edge with about 4 1/2 minutes left in the quarter.

The Lakers continued to extend their lead from there and took a 73-66 advantage into the final frame.

New Jersey hung around in the fourth quarter and drew within two with a 6-0 run late in the game. Krstic’s driving lay-in made it an 88-86 with 4:39 left.

But, Los Angeles answered with a Bryant jumper and an Odom three on back-to- back possessions to take back control, 93-86.

The Nets never got closer than five points the rest of the way as the Lakers held on for the win.

Game Notes

The Nets are just 2-5 on the road this season. They return home to host Emeka Okafor and the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday at the Meadowlands...The Lakers are 8-1 as the host this season. They will host Milwaukee on Tuesday and the Jazz on Thursday.