Lakers beat Jazz to win third straight without Bryant

Published January 08, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Lakers continued to thrive in the absence of All-Star Kobe Bryant, beating the Utah Jazz 96-81 on Wednesday.

Lamar Odom had 25 points and 11 rebounds while Pau Gasol put up 22 points and 19 boards as the Lakers improved to 3-0 since Bryant was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Also playing a second straight game without starting center Andrew Bynum (hip), the defending NBA champions displayed the depth in their roster by halting a nine-game winning streak for the red-hot Jazz.

Los Angeles (41-13) ended the first quarter on a 12-0 run to build a 13-point lead and never looked back.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Edited by Patrick Johnston; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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