Kobe Bryant For the Win in the Season Opener

Yahoo Sports: Kobe Bryant welcomed Phil Jackson back to the Lakers in style Wednesday night, sinking a 23-foot jumper with 0.6 seconds left in overtime to lift Los Angeles to a 99-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Bryant, who finished with 33 points, swished home the game-winner, than ran with clenched fist to the other end of the court, chest-bumping with Devean George and celebrating a victory in Jackson’s first game back with the Lakers.

Denver’s Voshon Lenard had a good look at a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it missed. Jackson walked off the bench with a smile and pointed toward a group of Lakers fans who staked out the corner of the Pepsi Center.

Bryant’s big shot was his second chance at a game-winner. After trailing 89-84 late in regulation, the Lakers scored five straight points and got the ball back. Bryant went one-on-one with Greg Buckner and had a decent look at a long jumper, but it rimmed off at the buzzer and set the stage for overtime.

Helping the effort for the Lakers was newly acquired point guard Smush Parker, who finished with 20 points and six assists. Lamar Odom had eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Demanding the ball, jawing with refs, ignoring the constant boos that rained down, he was a picture of confidence. He went 13-for-28 and also finished with five rebounds and four assists.

Surprisingly, Jackson didn’t draw the final play up for him, instead opting to go to forward Kwame Brown, who had a mismatch on Eduardo Najera. But after Brown’s shot missed and the Lakers got the rebound, it was time for freelancing and there was no doubt where the ball was going.

Bryant got his shot, sank it, and Jackson walked away a winner in his second debut with L.A.

The Lakers improved to 32-14 in regular-season openers.

The Lakers now look toward their first back to back challenge, as they gear up to take on the Phoenix Suns for their home opener tomorrow night. Tipping off at 7:30 PM PST, we will have live Gameday coverage as always in our ClubLakers.com Forums!

What do you guys think about our season openning win? Are you satisfied with the Lakers as a whole, or are there plenty of flaws that you noticed? Sound off in our CL.com Gameday Discussion!

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