NBA: LA Lakers 105, Phoenix 92

PHOENIX, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant helped Los Angeles pull away in the third period Thursday and the Lakers cruised past their closest division rival with a 105-92 win over Phoenix.

The Lakers have won two in a row after suffering their only loss of the season. Their 9-1 record is the best in the NBA and they boosted their lead over the Suns in the Pacific Division to 2 ½ games.

Los Angeles and Phoenix are the only teams in the division with winning records.

The Lakers turned a six-point halftime lead into a 13-point cushion going into the fourth quarter and the Suns never threatened to get back in it.

Bryant finished with 24 points and Vladimir Radmanovic made half of the Lakers' 10 three-pointers for 15 points.

Amare Stoudemire scored 21 for the Suns, who lost for the third time in six home contests this season.