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LeBron Outdone By Kobe

Authored by Scott Essman - January 13, 2006 - 12:58 pm

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Though Laker guard Kobe Bryant had an "off" night with a wrist injury, only scoring 27 points (over a dozen points off the mark of his previous four games), the Lakers bested the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 99-98, despite a last second go-ahead attempt by Cavs' star LeBron James, who scored 28 points on 50% shooting.

Highly touted, the Bryant-James rivalry was probably secondary to the play of each star's supporting teammates. Laker forward Lamar Odom provided 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, while guard Smush Parker, center Chris Mihm, and reserve center Kwame Brown all had solid games both offensively and defensively.

On the Cavs' side, center Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored an impressive 29 points from all areas of the court, while forward Luke Jackson drilled three key three-point goals and power forward Drew Gooden scored 15 pounds and grabbed 11 rebounds.

At times, Bryant and James went back and forth trying to outduel each other, which led to multiple lead changes and several highlight reel plays. In fact, one might say that James' style of play mirrors Bryant's, though the former is a bigger albeit quick player. Bryant's hand injury did not seem to be serious as he hit three crucial baskets in the last 90 seconds of the game, putting the Lakers ahead for good in the waning moments.

The Lakers' next game is on the road Saturday against the Golden State Warriors before coming home to face Miami next Monday in yet another Shaq-Kobe square-off.