LOS ANGELES, April 4 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth period Friday that broke open the game and sent the Los Angeles Lakers past Houston 93-81.
The Lakers reached 60 wins for the season and moved within a game of Cleveland for the best record in the NBA. Los Angeles is the only visiting team to win in Cleveland this year.
Los Angeles had a three-point lead with 4:30 to play when Bryant hit his first 3-pointer. After Ron Artest missed a long-range shot for Houston, Bryant made another 3-point shot to give the Lakers an 85-76 advantage with 4:06 remaining.
Houston made only one field goal the rest of the way.
The Rockets slipped 1 ½ games behind San Antonio in the battle for the Southwest Division title. The Spurs have seven games left in the regular season and the Rockets have six.
Pau Gasol had 23 points for Los Angeles and Bryant 20.
Artest led Houston with 21.
