LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant did a little of everything, and the Lakers got to celebrate Phil Jackson agreeing to his contract extension Thursday night.
Bryant had 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead the Lakers to victory over the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Bryant got to sit out the fourth quarter because the Lakers for the second consecutive game had such an outstanding third quarter.
In the fourth quarter Sasha Vujacic, who had a career-high 22 points, helped the Lakers pull away. He also got Carmelo Anthony ejected for a grade-two flagrant foul when Anthony grabbed Vujacic by the throat.
QUOTE
Jackson’s agent and good friend, Todd Musburger, said about Jackson’s decision Wednesday night to stay on with the Lakers beyond this season: “I think he needed time to make sure.”
7,000 AND MORE
With his final basket of his eight-point first half, Derek Fisher reached the 7,000-point plateau for his career. Fisher’s best scoring season actually came away from the Lakers: in the 2005-06 season with Golden State at 13.3 points per game.
LUKE’S TURN
After starting forward Vladimir Radmanovic continued his woeful play with 0-for-3 shooting in the first half … and Jackson turned to Luke Walton to start the second half. Walton also had a season high with 14 points.
NEXT
Lakers at Utah, 7:30 p.m. Friday, KCAL/9, ESPN, KLAC/570
The guys maybe out of their slump… these two wins i hope will generate some kinds new energy for them and give their best to help the team win games once more. They have the potential to be a good team if only they can sustain their desire to win. Give the game some heart guys and you’ll be okay.