Wizards 97 - 117 Lakers
Final
  for this game

Injury not limiting Bryant's production

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:20 AM Washington (9-32) at LA Lakers (33-8) 10:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Kobe Bryant's ability to score may be hampered by injury. The reigning MVP still is finding other ways to contribute to the Los Angeles Lakers' success.

Bryant and the Lakers go for their third straight win on Thursday when they host the lowly Washington Wizards.

The reigning MVP, Bryant dislocated the ring finger on his shooting hand during the first quarter of Monday's 17-point win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and was clearly affected during Thursday's 108-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 30-year-old guard made only 5-of-15 shots from the field, finishing with 18 points, well below his season average of 27 points per game.

Despite the injury, Bryant recorded his 16th career triple-double and second this campaign, adding 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who downed the Clippers for the seventh straight time.

Andrew Bynum had a career-high 42 points and 15 rebounds and Lamar Odom recorded a season-high 19 points off the bench.

Los Angeles will need more of the same from Bryant's supporting cast against the Wizards, who earned their second win in three games during a 110-107 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

Antawn Jamison scored 33 points and Caron Butler added 32 as the Wizards beat the Kings for the seventh consecutive meeting.






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