DENVER – Kobe Bryant had 23 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds for his 21st career triple-double, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Denver Nuggets 111-103 on Tuesday night to end a three-game losing streak.
Bryant shot 6-of-11 from the floor, giving him 25,000 field goal attempts for his career. The only players who’ve attempted more shots in NBA history are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (28,307) and Karl Malone (26,210), according to STATS.
The Lakers star played nearly 32 minutes in his second game back. He missed three games around Christmas because of overall soreness.
Carlos Boozer had 19 points, and Ronnie Price added a season-high 18.
Ty Lawson and Jusuf Nurkic both finished with 16 points for the Nuggets, who have lost four of five.
After getting out to a fast start, the Lakers appeared to be cruising toward a blowout win. They led by as many as 23 points late in the third quarter, only to have Denver slice the lead to 101-96 with 3 minutes, 53 seconds remaining.
That’s when Bryant drew a foul on Alonzo Gee on a 3-point attempt. The Nuggets weren’t pleased with the call, and Nate Robinson voiced his displeasure, drawing a technical foul. Bryant made three-of-four free throws to help the Lakers gain some separation.
Robinson drew another technical after having a 3-pointer taken off the board – he stuck out his foot to draw contact – and was ejected.
Wilson Chandler, one of the Nuggets’ top scorers, bruised his right quadriceps in the first half and didn’t return. He finished with nine points.
The Nuggets were already without Danilo Gallinari (right knee), JaVale McGee (strained left leg) and Randy Foye (right quadriceps). Darrell Arthur (lower leg) didn’t play.
The Lakers made their first seven shots and shot 61 percent in the opening half to take a 62-46 lead into the locker room.
Before the game, Nuggets coach Brian Shaw told stories about being teammates with Bryant a decade ago and how Bryant used to make fun of the veteran for icing his knees.
“I told him that one day ice was going to be his best friend,” Shaw said.
About then, Bryant stopped by and hugged Shaw.
“I’m sharing stories about when you used to laugh at me (for using ice),” Shaw said.
“Now I’ve got to do it before the game. How about that?” Bryant said.
As Bryant walked down the hall, he yelled back: “Tell them the story about how I beat you in shooting when I was 12.”
Nuggets notes
Bryan Shaw hopes Randy Foye can get back on the court after New Year’s Day. ... F Kenneth Faried was held to four rebounds. He grabbed 44 over his previous two games.
