Kobe, Lakers too much for Warriors in L.A.

BOX SCORE
Lakers 120, Warriors 112Player of the game: Kobe Bryant scored 40 points on 16-for-28 from the field, helping the Lakers hold off a late rush by the Warriors. It was the first time Bryant made at least half of his shots in a game since March 4.

Im very proud of the way we fought, Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. There was a point where they were making shots. They had us on the ropes and we battled back. We responded, put ourselves in a position to win the game. They made big shotsespecially Kobe.Key stretch: With the Warriors down just one point97-96with seven minutes remaining, the Lakers ripped off nine consecutive points to regain separation.Ramon Sessions buried a 3-pointer, Kobe Bryant knocked down two free throws and Pau Gasol and Bryant scored in the laneand just like that the Lakers had re-established control.The Warriors pulled within three points later than that but never had the ball with an opportunity to tie.Im not going to tolerate games where we dont play with energy and effort, Jackson said. Were not good enough to play with 30 minutes of energy and effort. Im proud of this group. Weve got every excuse tailor-made for us, but we dont use it.Five turnovers: The Warriors committed just five turnovers, which equaled a franchise-low. Interestingly, they committed just five turnovers against the Lakers on Tuesdaywhich tied a franchise-low at that point.Wright stuff: Dorell Wright was very efficient, scoring 14 points in just 20 minutes, but he didnt play in the fourth quarter. Instead, Warriors coach Mark Jackson stayed with Klay Thompson and Richard Jefferson on the wings. When Jackson did substitute for Thompson with under four minutes remaining in the game, he brought in Dominic McGuire.Bynum sits in second: Lakers center Andrew Bynum suffered a sprained left ankle in the first half and didnt return for the second. Bynum wound up playing just 10 minutes and was scoreless.He appeared to land on the foot of teammate Josh McRoberts with 1:49 remaining in the first quarter.Biedrins sighting: Andris Biedrins, who had missed the previous six games because of a strained groin, returned to action against the Lakers on Sunday.Warriors coach Mark Jackson went to Biedrins early in the first period after starting center Jeremy Tyler picked up three quick foulsand were talking really quick fouls.The Warriors were shorthanded at center because Mickell Gladness, whom the team signed for the rest of the season, was unavailable because of family matters.