Crunch Time

The Lakers are coming off yet another successful week, going 4-1 against some playoff contenders and some of the bottom of the standings teams.

The Lakers started by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-90 before losing to the young Portland Trailblazers. Kobe dropped 26 points in the loss while Pau Gasol added 18 points and 13 rebounds. 

The Lakers bounced back by defeating the Houston Rockets, 102-96 in an exciting and action packed possible playoff match up. It was a close throughout and at some points seemed like the Lakers were going to lose but they held on and got the victory. After a lot of physical contact and words from Ron Artest, Kobe exploded scoring 18 of his 37 points in the 4 th quarter. After the Game Kobe had some words toward Artest, "It wasn't much of a battle,'' Bryant said. "I kicked his butt tonight. We've had some battles in the past and he's gotten the best of me a few times. Tonight, I got the best of him.'' Pau Gasol added 20 points and Josh Powell added 17 points and ( rebounds to lad the Lakers to victory. 

The Lakers carried that momentum into their game against the number 2 team in the West, The San Antonio Spurs. Kobe scored 23 points and 6 assist to lead 5 players in double figures. With 1:46 seconds in the game Kobe scored a well contested 3 pointer to clinch the win and become the first team in the western conference to secure their spot in the playoffs. 

They finished the week defeating the Dallas Mavericks 107-100 on Sunday evening. Kobe scored a quiet 28 points while Trevor Ariza and Pau Gasol added 26 and 25 points.