Kobe Bryant vs. Kings - 11.03.10

Kobe Bryant had 17th career triple-double against Kings.

Kobe Bryant has always made it a habit of playing well against the Sacramento Kings during his career. He didn’t disappoint Wednesday, collecting his 17th career triple-double as the Lakers beat the Kings 112-100 at Arco Arena.

Bryant came out focused from the start, aggressive on the offensive and defensive ends.  He forced Tyreke Evans into early foul trouble, and was able to take advantage of smaller defenders as he picked the Kings’ defense apart for 30 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.  It was Bryant’s first triple-double since January 21, 2009 against the Clippers.

Pau Gasol had another good night with 22 points, 11 rebounds,  and two blocks, taking advantage of rookie DeMarcus Cousins in the post all night, and forcing him into five fouls.  Lamar Odom continued to play inspired ball to the start the season, scoring 18 points on 8-12 from the field, with eight rebounds.  He also shook off jamming the thumb on his shooting hand in the third quarter.  Ron Artest had his best game of the new season, scoring 17 points on 7-11 from the floor, and 3-4 from beyond the arc.

The Lakers led 62-53 at halftime, and pushed the lead to 20 midway through the third at 82-62.  The Kings rallied and got as close as 98-92 halfway through the fourth, before Derek Fisher scored seven straight points to put the Lakers comfortably ahead for good 105-92.  Fisher finished the night with 11 points.

It was a well-played, hard-fought game throughout as the teams combined for only 14 turnovers.  The Lakers had turned the ball over 39 times their previous two games, but only had 6 giveaways against the Kings.  The Lakers again were strong from the 3-point line, hitting 11-21 (52.4%).

Tyreke Evans led the Kings with 21 points, despite being in foul trouble, shooting 10-17 from the floor.  Carl Landry and Beno Udrih had 17 points, and Francisco Garcia also poured in 17 off the bench for the Kings, who had gotten off to a surprising 3-1 start.

The Lakers have started the season 5-0 for the seventh time in franchise history.  Their next game is Friday night at home against the Toronto Raptors, who were pasted in Utah on Wednesday 125-108.

Link: Lakers @ Kings Box Score