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Anthony, Camby spoil Bryant's milestone as Nuggets edge Lakers

Apr 4, 2007 - 7:05 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets inched a little closer in the standings.

Anthony scored 31 points and Marcus Camby had 21, 20 rebounds and six blocks as the Nuggets posted a 111-105 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers, who wasted Kobe Bryant's milestone.

Superstar Allen Iverson had 20 points and 10 assists for Denver, which moved within 1 1/2 games of the Lakers (39-35) for sixth place in the Western Conference standings.

"It was a big win especially being on the road," Anthony said. "It was a must win for us. I'm sure they felt the same way."

"The guys did a good job responding to me and they didn't give me any problems," Nuggets assistant Adrian Dantley said. "I'm just glad we won the game. We needed this game. I'm sure coach (George Karl) would be happy with the win."

Karl missed the matchup game to be with his ailing son Cody, who underwent surgery on Monday in Idaho. Karl is expected to be back on the bench for Wednesday's game vs. Sacramento.

"That's the most important thing, his family," Camby said. "We all know Coby and he is like family. It is tough when you are a father and your child is ill. Anytime that happens you know how tough it is being a parent."

At 28 years and 223 days, Bryant scored 39 points to become the youngest player to reach 19,000 points, passing Michael Jordan (29 years and 62 days) and Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain (29 years and 75 days).

"It's a tremendous honor to reach milestones like that," Bryant said. "It's always fun and I didn't realize what everyone was clapping for until I got into the training room."

J.R. Smith's 3-pointer snapped a 102-102 tie and Anthony added a basket as the Nuggets grabbed a five-point advantage with 2:10 remaining.

Bryant's 21-footer brought the Lakers within 107-104 at the 1:55 mark, but Denver never allowed Los Angeles to get any closer in the closing moments.

Los Angeles forward Lamar Odom had 17 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists to pick up his 11th career triple-double - third with the Lakers. It was Odom's first since April 9, 2006.