NBA: Los Angeles Lakers 97, Minnesota 92

Kobe Bryant hit five 3-pointers and scored 28 points Friday, pushing the Los Angeles Lakers to their fifth straight win, 97-92 over Minnesota. The final margin was as close as the Timberwolves could get after falling behind by 16 in the third period. Los Angeles shot only 41 percent from the field but made six more 3-pointers and seven more free throws than did Minnesota. Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers while both Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes delivered 17 points. The Lakers' lead over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Pacific Division grew to three games. Kevin Love had 27 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost four out of five since guard Ricky Rubio was knocked out for the season by a torn knee ligament.