Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - November 22

(Basketball News) - Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers over the Chicago Bulls, 101-94, on Friday at the Staples Center.

Gary Payton added 15 points for the Lakers, who have won five of their last six games. Shaquille O’Neal also netted 15 points before leaving the game with a strained calf, but the Lakers still improved to 6-0 at home this season despite the departure of their superstar.

The Lakers posted a game-deciding 10-0 run in the fourth quarter and they led the rest of the way. Bryon Russell capped off the burst with a three-pointer and the Lakers led 86-80 with 7:05 to play.

The Bulls then recorded four quick points and cut the deficit to 86-84 on a Scottie Pippen basket.

But the Lakers rattled off six unanswered points to end the threat.

The Lakers are off until Sunday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies in the second of a five-game homestand.