NBA: LA Lakers 121, Memphis 119

MEMPHIS, March 22 (UPI) -- Another Kobe Classic Thursday night as Kobe Bryant scored 60 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-119 win over the equally potent Memphis Grizzlies.

Bryant became only the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in three consecutive games, joining Michael Jordan and former Laker greats Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain on the elite list.

Bryant was 20-of-37 from the field and hit 17 of his 18 free throws. The win moved the Lakers a game ahead of Denver for the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

Lamar Odom scored 20 for LA and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Memphis kept the game interesting for their hometown fans and pulled to within two points of the Lakers with 4:29 to play. But the Lakers pulled away with a three-pointer by Shammond Williams and a Bryant jumper to make it 116-109.

Paul Gasol led the Grizzlies with 35 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to prevent Memphis from recording its 13th loss in their last 16 games.