Bynum returns, leads Lakers past Nuggets

Los Angeles, CA – Andrew Bynum returned to the court with a vengeance.

In his first game back from a four-game suspension, Bynum scored 29 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and hit the eventual game-winning shot in the Lakers' narrow 92-89 win over the Nuggets on New Year's Eve.

Kobe Bryant had 17 points and 10 boards and Pau Gasol added 17 points for LA, which has won three straight after starting the season 0-2.

Al Harrington paced the Nuggets with 21 points, while Nene, Arron Afflalo and Andre Miller each finished with 13. Danilo Gallinari missed a potential tying layup with 1.9 seconds left, as Denver fell for the second straight game.