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Kobe scores 34 with injury, and Lakers hang on to playoff spot with 118-116 win over Warriors

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, is congratulated by guard Jarrett Jack after hitting a 3-pointer during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Friday, April 12, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake, defends during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Friday, April 12, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Kobe Bryant scored 34 points while playing much of the second half in obvious pain from his injured left leg, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied in the final minutes without him to stay in the playoff picture with a 118-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Stephen Curry scored 47 points in a dynamic performance for the Warriors, but Los Angeles played just enough late defense to hang on for a crucial win.

Los Angeles (43-37) stayed one game ahead of Utah (42-38) for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference with two games to go. The Jazz hold the tiebreaker.

Bryant stayed in the game until 3:06 remained despite obvious mobility limitations and two lengthy breaks to walk off an injury from early in the second half.