Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Pau Gasol was inserted back into the
starting lineup and recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds to help the Los Angeles
Lakers continue their dominance over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 111-100
victory at Target Center.
Even with All-Star center Dwight Howard back in Los Angeles to have treatment
done on his ailing right shoulder, the Lakers raced out to an early lead and
held on to snap an eight-game road skid and earn their 20th straight win over
the Timberwolves.
Kobe Bryant nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and
eight assists, while Antawn Jamison and Steven Nash chipped in 18 and 17
points, respectively, for the victors.
The Lakers dropped the opener of their seven-game road trip on Wednesday after
squandering a late double-digit lead to the Suns. They saw a 26-point cushion
dip to four midway through the fourth quarter Friday before pulling away for
their fourth win in five games.
Alexey Shved had 18 points to pace the Timberwolves, losers of six straight.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network