Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant scored 22 points and had eight assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers shut down the Phoenix Suns, 132-106, at the Staples Center.
It was the first game between the teams since ex-Laker teammates Bryant and Suns center Shaquille O'Neal garnered co-MVP honors at the All-Star Game earlier this month. O'Neal was limited to 12 points and seven rebounds as the Suns, minus Steve Nash, lost to the Lakers for a third time in as many meetings this season.
Nash sat out with a right ankle injury.
Lamar Odom tallied 23 points and Pau Gasol totaled 16 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who have won all six games coming out of the All-Star break to run their record to a league-best 48-10.
Leandro Barbosa and Alando Tucker each registered 18 points for Phoenix.
