Kobe scores 32 points as Lakers top Nets

NEWARK - When the Nets refused to let Kobe Bryant beat them with his shooting, the perennial Los Angeles Lakers All-Star did them in with a couple of little passes.

Bryant scored 25 of his 32 points in the second half and set up Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom for easy baskets in a late eight-point run that led the Lakers to a 99-92 victory over the Nets Sunday.

Brook Lopez had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Nets, who have lost seven straight and 9 of 11. Devin Harris added 16 points and 10 assists and Kris Humphries had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

"I thought we did a better job of spreading it out and making the better pass down the stretch," said Bryant, who forced the Nets to double-team him late by scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter. Odom had five of his 22 points in the late spurt and Gasol had the other three in capping a 15-point, 11-rebound effort that led the Lakers to their sixth straight win over the Nets.

Gasol broke an 87-all tie, hitting the second of two free throws with 2:28 to play.

After Harris missed a drive, Bryant took advantage of the Nets' double-teaming him and made them pay with his playmaking. He hit Gasol coming down the middle of the lane for a layup and a 90-87 lead with 1:48 to play.

Harris again failed to capitalize inside on the other end of the court and Bryant made a short crosscourt pass to Odom for a dunk and a 92-87 lead with 1:02 left.