PORTLAND, Ore., April 11 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant scored four of his 47 points in an 8-0, fourth-quarter run Wednesday that propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 113-106 win over Portland.
The Lakers moved a full game in front of Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both teams have three games remaining.
Portland held a 100-98 lead with just under 6 minutes remaining when Los Angeles went on its key spurt. Bryant finished the surge with a pair of free throws and a jumper.
Bryant made 14-of-27 shots from the field and all 18 of his attempts from the foul line. The Lakers shot 58 percent from the field.
Pau Gasol added 23 points for Los Angeles and Dwight Howard had 20.
Portland, which has lost nine in a row, was led by Damian Lillard with 38 points.
