MIAMI – Kobe Bryant threw in a gorgeous 10-foot lefty hook shot with 5:52 to play, giving the Lakers a 96-80 lead, and Magic Johnson jumped out of his courtside seat in awe. It was the first fun afternoon in Miami that Bryant has had in four years, leading the Lakers to victory over an energized Heat team debuting Shawn Marion as the trade booty it got for Shaquille O’Neal.
Bryant had 33 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field. Lamar Odom (15 points, 18 rebounds, six assists) also played the relaxed game that Phil Jackson believes is best for him and won his first game in Miami since leaving in trade for O’Neal in 2004.
Some carelessness late gave Miami some hope, but Dwyane Wade never could take over. He had 19 points, nine assists and nine turnovers.
VUJACIC EARLY
Sasha Vujacic was hot in the second quarter, nailing five jumpers in six attempts to help the Lakers take control.
DID YOU SEE THAT?
Bryant threw a blanket over Wade in a one-on-one situation in the final seconds of the third quarter – resulting in a Wade traveling violation.
FARMAR SOLID
After the chat Jackson had with 21-year-old Jordan Farmar after practice Saturday, Farmar played an improved game with eight points and four assists in 21 minutes.
NEXT
Lakers at Charlotte, 4 p.m. Monday, KCAL/9 (5:30 p.m.), KLAC/570.
