Lakers Continue TWolves Losing Streak

Kobe Bryant

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, including a pair of layups in heavy traffic during the final 35 seconds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat Minnesota 92-89 Wednesday night for the Timberwolves’ season-worst sixth straight defeat.

Lamar Odom had 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, who barely avoided their first four-game sweep at the hands of the Timberwolves. Kwame Brown had 13 points and nine rebounds.

Marcus Banks had 18 points for Minnesota, but shot an airball trying for a game-tying three-pointer with 1.9 seconds on the clock. Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 14 rebounds for his league-leading 50th double-double and 21st in a row, extending the longest such streak in franchise history.

The Timberwolves’ 38th loss tied last season’s total. It was their 20th loss in their last 23 road games and their seventh straight away from Target Center, tying the franchise record set on Jan. 10. They are 1-9 in games decided by three or fewer points and trail the Lakers by seven games for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot.

The Lakers had a one-point lead and the ball when Smush Parker’s turnover resulted in a fast-break slam dunk by Minnesota rookie Rashad McCants, giving the Timberwolves an 82-81 edge with 2:42 remaining.

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