Balanced Scoring Lifts Lakers Past Jazz 120-91

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) – Kobe Bryant collected 21 points to lead a balanced scoring attack, and the Los Angeles Lakers had their best shooting performance of the season Tuesday in a 120-91 victory over the Utah Jazz.

Pau Gasol scored 20 points and Andrew Bynum added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who shot 62 percent from the field to win for the 10th time in their last 12 games.

LA had a successful start to a five-game homestand that will also include visits by the Kings, Celtics, Rockets and Spurs.

Deron Williams scored 17 points and C.J. Miles had 14, but the Jazz finished 0-5 on a disastrous road trip that also included losses in Washington, New Jersey, Boston and Philadelphia.

In addition to setting a season-best mark in shooting percentage, the Lakers also had a season-high 34 assists — despite no one collecting more than Bryant’s six.

For more information from tonight’s game, be sure to visit Silver Screen & Roll.
01/26 01:06:48 ET

Lakers Open Long Homestand Against Jazz At Staples Center

The Los Angeles Lakers, well rested after three days off, open a five-game homestand tonight against the Utah Jazz, whom they have beaten 16 straight times at Staples Center. The Lakers are 11-3 since Andrew Bynum moved into the starting lineup (and Lamar Odom playing like an All-Star, off the bench), including 7-1 at home. The Jazz, meanwhile, have lost the first four games of a dreadful five-game road trip.

The Lakers have beaten the Jazz 16 straight times in Los Angeles, including eight times in the regular season and eight times in the playoffs. The Lakers have dispatched Utah in the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. All-time at Staples Center, dating back to the 2000-2001 season, the Lakers are 18-3 against the Jazz. The Lakers lost to the Jazz in Utah on November 26.

Utah's last seven road games have included six losses and an overtime win against the Rockets in which the Jazz at once trailed by 16 points. The Jazz are 6-12 when allowing 100 points this season, and have allowed 100 points six times in their last nine games (they are 1-5 in those six games).

For more information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.