Planet Sport

Kobe Bryant netted a game-high 36 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers end a two-game losing streak and win 105-96.

Pau Gasol, appearing in his first game in Memphis since being traded to Los Angeles last February, finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Rudy Gay's 23 points led the Grizzlies, who were winning 91-85 with four minutes remaining in the final period.

Elsewhere, the Denver Nuggets survived the absence of All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony to outlast the Portland Trail Blazers 97-89 and go clear at the top of the Northwest Division.

Tony Parker collected 18 points and six assists to lead five players in double figures as the San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Sacramento Kings in a 101-85 triumph.

Yao Ming netted 24 points and claimed 16 rebounds and the Houston Rockets' stifling defense nullified the threat of Devin Harris and Vince Carter in a 114-91 rout of the New Jersey Nets.

Chris Bosh poured in 31 points, Jermaine O'Neal had 23 and Anthony Parker added 12 as the Toronto Raptors ended a five-game losing streak with a 97-75 defeat of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jameer Nelson poured in 22 points as the Orlando Magic defeated the Golden State Warriors 113-81 for their fifth consecutive victory.