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Bryant scores 34 points as Lakers cool off Spurs

Dec 11, 2006 - 5:14 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Kobe Bryant did with one good ankle what few athletes can do on two.

Bryant scored 34 points to lead all five starters in double figures as the Los Angeles Lakers won for the fifth time in six games with a 106-99 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

After sitting out Friday's win against Atlanta with a sprained right ankle, Bryant returned in a big way Sunday. He shot 13-of-25 from the field, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and also had eight rebounds and three steals in 39 minutes.

"It's one of the best wins, considering the opponent, it's right up there," Bryant said. "Everyone contributed and it was a big win."

Bryant received plenty of help from his teammates as Lamar Odom had 18 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists and Luke Walton scored 17 points. Kwame Brown added 11 and Smush Parker 10.

"I think Kobe sitting out a game, it gave guys a little more trust in their teammates so Kobe doesn't have to go out and carry the load the whole game," Brown said.

The Spurs entered on a four-game winning streak, including the last three by a combined 89 points.

They also had won seven of the last eight meetings with the Lakers but were unable to overcome a 37-22 deficit in the third quarter, 19 turnovers and a 42-33 rebounding disadvantage.

"It was a big game for the Lakers," Spurs guard Tony Parker said. "We are one of the top teams and they are always motivated to play us. They played a good game, you have to give them credit. They shot the ball well and moved the ball and played pretty good defense."

Manu Ginobili scored 23 points and Parker added 21 to lead San Antonio. Tim Duncan had 16 and 13 rebounds and Bruce Bowen also chipped in 16 points.

"We didn't play solid offense and they pressured us," Parker said. "We got a little bit crazy and couldn't get our offense going."