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Bryant, Lakers seek to cool off Jazz

Nov 24, 2006 - 4:44 PM LA Lakers (8-3) at Utah (11-1) 9:00 pm EST

SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) - The Utah Jazz have been ripping the league apart this season. But superstar Kobe Bryant and the surprising Los Angeles Lakers are not looking to become another victim.

The red-hot Jazz will try to extend their winning streak to eight straight games when the Lakers pay a visit on Friday.

Bryant, who slowly is recovering from offseason knee surgery, scored a season-best 40 points and Lamar Odom added 18 as the Lakers posted an 105-101 triumph over the rival Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

Andrew Bynum continued his up-and-down season, finishing with just six points on 1-of-4 shooting. The second-year center has yet to string together three straight games in double figures.

Los Angeles has won four consecutive games since dropping two straight earlier this month.

Carlos Boozer recorded 32 points and 13 rebounds - his 10th double-double - to help Utah rally from a 21-point deficit to win its seventh consecutive game with an 110-101 victory at Sacramento.

The Jazz, who are off to their best start in franchise history, have won four of the last five matchups here.