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Bryant leads Lakers over Kings

Mar 3, 2012 - 6:57 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - For a second straight game, Kobe Bryant didn't let a broken nose and concussion stop him from producing big offensive numbers.

Bryant scored a game-high 38 points and pulled down eight rebounds, as the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 115-107 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Bryant, playing with a protective facemask after suffering a broken nose and concussion in Sunday's NBA All-Star Game, went 13-of-24 from the field and 11- of-14 from the foul line. Andrew Bynum added 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who were coming off a 104-85 win at home against Minnesota on Wednesday. Bryant had 31 points in that contest.

Next up for the Lakers, a Sunday afternoon matchup with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the rest of the Miami Heat. The Heat won at home over the Lakers on Jan. 19.

"I'm still tired, but we've got to keep working," Bryant said. "Sunday is a big game to see how we've improved since we played them in Miami."

Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace each contributed 15 points for the Lakers, who have won seven of nine overall and 10 of 12 against the Kings.

Francisco Garcia scored 18 for Sacramento, which has dropped its last two contests. DeMarcus Cousins totaled 10 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

Bryant scored 13 in the opening quarter, helping the Lakers to a 31-26 lead, and they continued to be on the positive side of the scoreboard in the second. Garcia's three-pointer in the waning seconds had the Kings within 65-58 at the half.

A layup from Tyreke Evans in the opening minute of the third had the Kings within 65-62, but the Lakers scored the next 10, capped by a Gasol hook shot. Bryant's layup finished a quarter-ending 7-0 burst for a 92-74 difference.

Sacramento made one last push, getting within 100-95 on Jimmer Fredette's three-pointer with five minutes remaining.

"We're an inconsistent team right now, but in a few years, if we stay together, we'll win these games," Fredette said.

The Lakers countered with a 10-2 burst, started by a World Peace three-ball and ended with Bryant's turnaround fadeaway jumper, to seal the outcome.

"It seemed like a big shot, but throughout the game, everybody did something to help," World Peace said of his three-pointer.

Game Notes

The Lakers, who are 16-2 at Staples Center, have won seven in a row at home...Marcus Thronton scored 15, while Evans had 14. Fredette and John Salmons each had 12 points for the Kings...Sacramento forward J.J. Hickson missed Friday's game and will sit out the next two contests due to a bruised hip.