LOS ANGELES, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his game-high 38 points in the second half Tuesday, carrying the surging LA Lakers to a 122-115 win over the Phoenix Suns.
The Pacific Division-leading Suns are now only one game ahead of the Lakers, who have won nine of their last 11 games.
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Andrew Bynum had a career-high 28 points and 12 rebounds in the Christmas Day victory. He made 11 of 13 field goal tries for Los Angeles.
Bryant made 12 of 20 shots from the field and 13 of 14 free throws. He also had seven assists.
Derek Fisher added 19 points, and Lamar Odom contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers.
Steve Nash had 24 points and 14 assists for the Suns. Amare Stoudemire added 19 points for Phoenix,
