Lakers defeat Pacers: Win 4th straight games

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 134-114 Tuesday night for their fourth straight win.

Jordan Farmar had a career-high 18 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 10 rebounds and the Lakers rolled to a season-high point total.

Los Angeles acquired forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic for forward Brian Cook and swingman Maurice Evans earlier in the day. Ariza hadn’t joined the Lakers by the opening tip.

Shawne Williams led the Pacers (4-7) with a career-high 24 points, and Jamaal Tinsley added 10 points and 10 assists. It was Indiana’s worst home defeat since a 24-point loss to New Jersey on March 4, 2001.

The Lakers (7-3) have won their past three games by a combined 60 points. Eight Lakers scored in double figures for first time since Nov. 26, 2003.

Los Angeles shot 61 percent to lead 71-63 at halftime. Bryant scored his average, 26 points, before the break. He made five of seven 3-pointers in the first half, often leaving his arm in the air well after his follow-through. Bynum had three powerful dunks before halftime.

Danny Granger tried to get the Pacers back in the game. He cut the Lakers’ lead to 87-74 with a layup in the third quarter. He then blocked Bryant’s shot against the glass at the other end, and converted another layup to get Indiana within 11.

The Lakers quickly recovered and led 104-90 heading into the fourth quarter. They opened the final period with a 12-0 run.

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