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Bryant looks for better performance in rematch with Nets

Dec 22, 2006 - 3:09 PM LA Lakers (17-9) at New Jersey (11-14) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Although he posted a double-double in his last outing against the New Jersey Nets, Kobe Bryant's performance was a bit sloppy.

Bryant tries for a more accurate outing when the Lakers attempt to win for the eighth time in 12 contests in Friday's rematch with the Nets.

The reigning NBA scoring champ, Bryant again ranks among the league leaders (28.1), including a pair of 50-point games this season. However, he hit just 8-of-24 shots for the Lakers in a 99-93 victory over New Jersey on November 26.

Bryant scored 19 points and collected 10 assists for Los Angeles, which has won seven of the last 10 encounters with the Nets here.

After scoring just 18 points in the third quarter of Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers used a 34-7 run in the final period for a 111-94 triumph.

Bryant made 10-of-17 shots and scored 24 points and Vladimir Radmanovic added 17 off the bench for the Lakers, who shot nearly 57 percent (46-of-81) from the floor.

New Jersey has won four of its last six contests and is in first place in the Atlantic Division despite being three games under .500 (11-14).

Vince Carter scored 38 points, including 14-of-18 free throws, Nenad Krstic had 18 points and Jason Kidd collected 10 assists for the Nets in Wednesday's 113-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.