Kobe, Gasol lead L.A over Lebron, Cavs

In this much anticipated matchup between the two MVP front runners, Kobe and his supporting cast snap a five-game losing streak to the Cavaliers with a 105-88 win.

Kobe dislocated the ring finger on his shooting hand less than two minutes into the game and the injury clearly bothered him during the game. He shot only 9/22 but scored 15 oh his 20pts after halftime. He added 6rbds & 12asts - the third straight time he is in double digits asts.

Pau Gasol shot 11-of-13 and led Los Angeles with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Andrew Bynum and Sasha Vujacic scored 14 points each and Derek Fisher added 11 for the Lakers, whose 32-8 record is tops in the Western Conference.

Kobe spent most of the game defending the Lebron James, but had plenty of help from his teammates. The NBA 2nd leading scorer finished with 23pts on 9/25 shooting and the Cavs sustained their worst defeat of the season.

Note: L.A will face the Wizards in two days on the 81pt 3rd anniversary - the 2nd game of a back to back. Since the start of January, Kobe is averaging 29pts 6rbds & 7,6asts.