Lakers 115, Kings 107: Masked Kobe Bryant Stays Masterful

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings by a final score of 115 to 107 in a fast paced and enjoyable affair. Defense was at a premium on both sides of the court as the Lakers scored a season high and allowed as many points as they have all season as well. Kobe Bryant was spectacular once again. The masked man scored 38 points on 13-24 shooting, including a dagger fade away three at the end of the shot clock late in the fourth quarter. Even with Kobe's mini-explosion, there were plenty of additional points to go around. Andrew Bynum dropped 19 points and picked up 15 boards, and played great defense on DeMarcus Cousins all night long. Pau Gasol chipped in 15 points, and even Metta World Peace got in on the scoring act with 15 of his own. Also of note, Andrew Goudelock scored all 9 of his points in the first three minutes he played, and Matt Barnes chipped in 10 off the bench as well. For those of you counting at home, yes, that's 25 points out of the small forward position, which is surely a season high.

The Lakers kept the Kings at arms length most of the second half, though the Kings did make a furious rally to make the Lakers sweat just a little bit down the stretch, cutting a lead that was as big as 20 points down to 5 in the final moments. The Kings were able to stay in the game despite being significantly outshot from the field because they played an incredibly clean game (just 5 turnovers on the night) and hitting the offensive boards (13 total). All in all, this was just a fun, entertaining game, that was very much worth your Friday night.