LOS ANGELES, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Nick Young hit four 3-pointers and scored 25 points Friday in helping the Los Angeles Lakers open a new chapter with a 104-91 win over Minnesota.
The Lakers played for the first time since learning superstar Kobe Bryant would be out for at least six weeks with a broken bone in his left knee. Bryant has played in just six games this season after recovering from Achilles surgery and his latest departure leaves the Lakers facing a large uphill battle to reach the playoffs.
Los Angeles broke things open in the second half to win its second in a row and return to the breakeven mark.
Young came off the bench to make 9-of-13 from the field and the Lakers shot 55 percent overall. The strong shooting helped Los Angeles overcome 19 turnovers and just 15 trips to the foul line.
Pau Gasol and Xavier Henry both added 21 points with Gasol also pulling down 12 rebounds.
Minnesota, which slipped behind the Lakers in the Western Conference standings, was led by Kevin Love with 25 points and 13 rebounds.
