Lakers 111, Suns 99
LAKERS 111, SUNS 99: Kobe Bryant had 36 points, nine rebounds and six assists to help Los Angeles hand visiting Phoenix its fourth consecutive loss.
Bryant scored 18 points in the third quarter, making 8 of 12 shots for the Lakers, who scored a season high. Bryant finished 14 of 25 and has 84 points in two games this season against the Suns.
Matt Barnes had his best game of the campaign, with a season-high 17 points on 6-for-7 shooting, plus seven rebounds. Andrew Bynum had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Pau Gasol chipped in 13 rebounds and 10 points, and Derek Fisher added 12 points.
Marcin Gortat led the Suns (12-19) with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Steve Nash tied a season-high with 17 assists and scored 11, while Shannon Brown scored 15 and Markieff Morris 14.
The Lakers closed the first half on a 9-0 run for a 57-48 lead at the break. Gortat had 14 points and nine rebounds in the first half.
After Jared Dudley got the Suns to 69-63, the Lakers reeled off 14 consecutive points for an 83-63 lead. Morris finally ended the Suns' five-minute drought with a layup.
Michael Redd made a 3-pointer and jumper in the lane to get Phoenix to 91-80. The Suns took advantage of some sloppy play by the Lakers to pull as close as 95-90 on Brown's slam dunk.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Lakers are 13-2 at home and have not lost at Staples Center to a West team. ... The Lakers had a 52-36 rebounding edge. ... Nash also had 17 assists on Jan. 8 against Milwaukee ... The Suns were just 8 of 26 on 3-pointers.