Kobe Bryant Scores 32, Lakers Beat Kings 98-95
- Updated: December 9, 2014
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, center, warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Several athletes have worn “I Can’t Breathe” shirts during warm ups in support of the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Sacramento Kings tonight and ended their 3 game losing streak with a win 98-95. The Lakers trailed by a much as 12 at one point in the second half and rallied back for the close victory.
Before the game began, the Lakers team appeared on the court for warm ups in “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirts. They joined other teams in the NBA to protest and show support for the seeking of justice for Eric Garner.
While the Lakers were coming off an embarrassing loss to the Pelicans, tonight would serve to be different. Kobe Bryant had 32 points on 11-27 shooting. Although he struggled from the field he was able to make key plays down the stretch to seal the win for the Lakers.
Carlos Boozer scored 15 points and grabbed 9 boards off the bench. He told reporters he was surprised by his reduced role, but it looks as if the move to the bench served him well tonight. Nick Young also added 12 points off the bench.
For the Kings, they were without big man DeMarcus Cousins as he is dealing with meningitis. They relied heavily on Rudy Gay and he scored 23 points in the loss. Gay missed a wide open free throw line extended three pointer in the final minute of the game which would have gave the Kings a late lead.
Darren Collison had a big game as well. He scored 26 points and had 6 assists. Coaches will always tell you that free throws and layups win and lose you games. Collison was just 2-8 from the free throw line tonight.
The Lakers are fortune to come out of this game with a win. They shot 40% from the field, but just 20% from three. The Lakers did do a great job of protecting the ball tonight, as they only turned the ball over 5 times.
With Kobe’s 32 points tonight, he is just 31 points away from passing Michael Jordan for third on NBA’s All-Time scoring list. Bryant will get his opportunity to pass Jordan on Friday night when the Lakers take on the Spurs in San Antonio.
The Spurs game will be the first of a three game road trip for the Lakers.
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers and the rest of the LA sports teams!
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