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Bryant, Lakers look to stay hot against Jazz

Nov 30, 2007 - 4:05 PM LA Lakers (9-6) at Utah (11-5) 10:30 pm EST

SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) - Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles seek their third straight won on Friday, when they visit the surging Utah Jazz.

Bryant scored 24 points in three quarters and reserve Sasha Vujacic added a career-best 22 as the Lakers coasted to a 127-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

"The young fellows came in and took care of business," Bryant said. "It feels good to go out there and play well. It shows a lot of maturation on our part."

Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson reportedly has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth about $24 million. He and the team parted ways in 2004 before the 62-year-old signed a three-year, $30 million deal following a year off.

Lakers forward Lamar Odom hopes to finally contribute on the road, as he is averaging just 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in five game away from the Staples Center.

Despite tweaking his right ankle, Carlos Boozer scored 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to help the Jazz posted a 106-95 triumph at Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Utah has won four of its last five games.

On November 4, Bryant poured in 33 points to lead five others in double figures as Los Angeles posted a 119-109 victory at home against the Jazz.

Odom missed the first meeting with the Lakers while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.