Kobe's 38 lights up Christmas game

No Miami this time. But L.A did play in Christmas again. And came back with a big win, perhaps one of his most important of the season. 

They played as a team like they did all year long and showed Phoenix they can take the Suns in a seven game series now... with a good chance to advance.

Bynum had a career high 28pts - just two games after his previous career high 26pts at Philadelphia. Ariza made an impressive first start with 14pts including a vicious facial over Grant Hill which made Kobe jump out off the bench.

KB was just great, scoring 26 of his 38pts in the 2nd half. He made some tough shots in a typical KB style, added 7asts and closed out the 3rd quarter with a tenderous reverse dunk over Diaw, probably one of his most impressive dunks in recent years. L.A won 122 - 115 over Phoenix.

The Lakers showed they're a much deeper team than last year and with a 18-10 record, they're now joining the Spurs, the Suns & the Mavs as a legitimate contender.

"We're getting better. It's just about getting better each day. It's good to have games like this. We have a solid foundation, we really do". KB24