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Kobe scores 39 as weary Lakers hold off Warriors
GREG BEACHAM
(The Associated Press)



06:18:12AM (ET) Saturday,January 7,2012.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in a dynamic second half, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the weary Los Angeles Lakers gritted out a 97-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Matt Barnes had 16 points and six rebounds before fouling out for the Lakers, who won their fifth straight home game while playing their NBA-high ninth game in 13 days.

Los Angeles bounced back from a passionless first half with another strong effort from Bryant, who has three straight 30-point games. The Lakers outlasted the injury-depleted Warriors in the fourth quarter for their fifth win in seven games.

Monta Ellis scored 18 points and David Lee had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors, who have lost seven straight road games to the Lakers.

Rookie Klay Thompson scored 14 points as Golden State played without high-scoring guard Stephen Curry, who sprained his right ankle Wednesday in San Antonio, and center Andris Biedrins, who also has an injured right ankle.

Bryant's two missed layups in the opening minutes were another reminder of the 13-time All-Star's struggles with a torn ligament in his right wrist. Before the game, Lakers coach Mike Brown acknowledged Bryant is receiving painkilling injections before every game, but said he isn't worried about Bryant's ability to hold up during the jam-packed NBA schedule.

Golden State led 39-35 after an unsightly first half for both teams, who combined for 23 turnovers.

Bryant heated up after halftime, scoring 17 points during the third quarter on a variety of jumpers and drives. Barnes also stepped up in the second half, playing perhaps his best game under the Lakers' new coaching staff.

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Who says Kobe isn't making enough noise ?

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