Lakers rout Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, Pau Gasol pitched in another well-rounded game, Lamar Odom had a triple-double, and the Lakers breezed past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-92 on Wednesday night to finish their road trip 7-2.

The nine straight games away from home were the longest such string for the Lakers since the NBA went to an 82-game schedule in 1976.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After two weeks and nine straight games on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers are returning home with Pau Gasol and an impressive 7-2 record.

Though Kobe Bryant’s finger could use some rest, the Lakers sure don’t need a break.

Bryant scored 29 points, Gasol pitched in another well-rounded game, Lamar Odom patched together a triple-double, and the Lakers breezed past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-92 on Wednesday night.

“What’s not to like?” Gasol said after scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds. “We have an amazing team, great players here and a great coaching staff. It’s just another level, a level I haven’t had a chance to experience in my career.”

The nine straight games away from home were the longest such string for the Lakers since the NBA went to an 82-game schedule in 1976. They did more on this journey than just bring the third-best record in the Western Conference into the All-Star break, though.

Two weeks ago, they acquired Gasol from Memphis in the first of a series of headliner trades this month that will shape the playoff race and the postseason in this stacked-as-ever conference. Los Angeles is 7-1 since the deal, 5-1 with Gasol on the court.

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