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Lakers look for third straight win without injured Bryant

Nov 3, 2006 - 3:05 PM Seattle (0-1) at LA Lakers (2-0) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Kobe Bryant can rest easier knowing his teammates are thriving without him.

Lamar Odom looks to continue his strong play as the Los Angeles Lakers go for their third straight victory Friday against the Seattle SuperSonics.

After winning the scoring title last season with an average of 35.4 points, Bryant underwent knee surgery, causing him to miss the first two games. However, the Lakers won both and are looking to open 3-0 for the first time in three seasons.

Odom tied a career high with 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds Tuesday as the Lakers bounced back from a 15-point first-quarter deficit in Tuesday's 114-106 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The following night, Rony Turiaf scored a career-high 23 points and Odom added 22, nine rebounds and nine assists to lead the Lakers in a 110-98 triumph over the Golden State Warriors.

Looking to improve on last season's 35-win campaign, Seattle opened with Wednesday's 110-106 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, despite receiving 20-point performances from three players.

Rashard Lewis scored 25 points and Ray Allen and Luke Ridnour had 22 apiece for the SuperSonics, who allowed the Trail Blazers to shoot nearly 55 percent (40-of-73) from the floor.

The Lakers won two of the three encounters against the SuperSonics last season and have split their last 10 games here.