Sports

Kobe Bryant nears triple-double again, leads Los Angeles Lakers past Oklahoma City 105-96

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook,front, passes as Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) (The Associated Press)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (0), of the Republic of Congo, and Los Angeles Lakers forward Antawn Jamison (4) collide while going for possession of the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) (The Associated Press)

Kobe Bryant had 21 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds, Steve Nash added seven of his 17 points in the final 5½ minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 105-96 Sunday.

Pau Gasol scored 16 points in a reserve role as the Lakers picked up the most impressive victory of their thoroughly unimpressive season, coolly maintaining a small lead down the stretch of their second straight win after a four-game skid.

Los Angeles had lost nine of its last 11 against the powerful Thunder, including four of five in the clubs' second-round playoff series last spring.

Kevin Durant scored 35 points and Russell Westbrook had 17 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds for the road-weary Thunder, who finished their longest trip of the season at 3-3.