Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 30 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-86 win over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series. The Lakers now have a 2-1 series lead, and have regained home court advantage over New Orleans. It was the 80th career 30-point playoff game for Bryant, second only in NBA history to Michael Jordan, with 109.
The Lakers pulled away in the second half, thanks to the resurgence of Pau Gasol. The Spaniard scored 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, one more point than Gasol scored in the first two games combined. Gasol had a double-double, also pulling down 10 rebounds. Andrew Bynum also had a double-double, with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes.
The Lakers outrebounded New Orleans 43-38, and committed no turnovers in the fourth quarter. Carl Landry led New Orleans with 23 points. Chris Paul scored 22 points for the Hornets, but scored just four after halftime. Game 4 is Sunday night in New Orleans.
For more news on this first-round matchup, be sure to stay tuned to this story stream at SB Nation Los Angeles. For more NBA playoff coverage, check out SB Nation's playoff bracket and schedule. For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.