Bynum leads Lakers over T-Wolves

Nov 8, 2006, 6:35 GMT

Los Angeles, CA - Kobe Bryant may have found another big man for a championship run, as Andrew Bynum continued his early-season impressive play with a career-high 20 points and 14 rebounds without committing a foul in Los Angeles' 95-88 victory over Minnesota.

'I believe in myself. I'm gaining more confidence out there. I got career highs in about every category,' said Bynum.

Bryant continued to get his basketball legs, scoring 17 points and dishing out six assists while Lamar Odom added 15 points and nine rebounds. Luke Walton donated 14 points and Smush Parker recorded 11 points as all five Lakers starters finished in double figures.

The Lakers improved to 4-1 on the young season and 3-0 at the Staples Center. Los Angeles will visit Portland Wednesday before a five-game homestand.

'It got interesting there in the fourth quarter. They made a run at us, but we pulled through,' said Lakers head coach Phil Jackson.

Kevin Garnett led Minnesota with 26 points and nine rebounds -- not a good enough stat line to continue his 37-game double-double streak. Rookie Randy Foye recorded 12 points and three other players including Mike James added 10 points.

The Timberwolves, who have lost three straight, were killed on the boards and made only 2-of-12 from three-point range.

The Lakers jumped out of the gate strong in the second half, reeling off 13 of the first 14 points to seize a 64-46 lead. Walton scored the first four points on layups in the lane, and Bynum capped the stretch with three straight free throws.

During the game-changing spurt, the Timberwolves missed their first six shots and looked out of sync offensively.

Minnesota showed some fight, scoring eight of the quarter's final 10 points to pull within 76-63. Troy Hudson's layup off a great look from Foye was the final field goal of the stanza with 41 ticks left.

The Timberwolves pulled within 89-86 late in the fourth quarter on Joe Smith's baseline jumper, but Odom converted a sweeping running hook and Bynum buried a pair from the charity stripe for a 93-86 lead.

Game Notes

Minnesota finished 1-3 on the four-game road trip.

The two clubs have split the last four meetings in Los Angeles.

Bryant scored 15 points in his first contest back against Seattle on Sunday. The superstar was recovering from offseason knee surgery.

The Lakers held a 44-31 edge on the boards.

© 2006 The Sports Network