Bynum returns, leads Lakers to win over Nuggets

Jan 1, 2012, 4:24 GMT

Los Angeles - Andrew Bynum had 29 points and 13 rebounds in his season debut Saturday and the Los Angeles Lakers did not allow a point over the final 3 1/2 minutes as they rallied for a 92-89 home victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Kobe Bryant had 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and Spanish star Pau Gasol scored 17 points for the Lakers, who have won three in a row since dropping their first two games. Los Angeles capitalized on a number of missed shots by Denver down the stretch.

Al Harrington scored 21 points for the Nuggets (2-2), who have lost two in a row.

In other news, the defending champion Dallas Mavericks signed Chinese forward Yi Jianlian to a one-year contract, the Dallas Morning News reported.

Oklahoma City 107, Phoenix 97 =

Russell Westbrook led six players in double figures with 18 points as the host Thunder improved to an NBA-best 5-0.

Detroit 96, Indiana 88 =

Sweden's Jonas Jerebko had 20 points and 12 rebounds and Greg Monroe added 19 and 11 as the host Pistons (1-3) got their first win and handed the Pacers (3-1) their first loss.