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Lakers, Bryant return to Memphis

Jan 8, 2008 - 2:20 PM LA Lakers (21-11) at Memphis (10-23) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) - Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to duplicate their performance from last season when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Bryant scored 60 points to lead the Lakers to a 121-119 victory over the Grizzlies the last time they played at FedEx Forum on March 22. Bryant made 20-of-37 shots from the field and 17-of-18 free-throws during the contest, which came just six days after he scored 65 at home against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Bryant notched 26 points as Los Angeles claimed a 112-96 triumph over the Indiana Pacers during its last game on Sunday. The win was the Lakers' 12th in their last 15 games.

Los Angeles, which hasn't played a game outside of Staples Center since December 23, will open a short two-game road trip against Memphis.

After dropping their last five-games to end December, the Grizzlies have won two of their last three games - including a 101-94 victory over the Miami Heat in their last game on Sunday.

Rudy Gay scored 22 points in the win - his third consecutive game with at least 20 points. Gay is averaging a team-high 19.4 points this season after averaging just 10.9 points last season.