The reeling New Orleans Hornets kick off a tough, three- game road trip Sunday by facing the reigning NBA Champion LA Lakers at Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant was 19-of-30 shooting for his second consecutive 41-point game and third in four contests amidst yet another record-setting night, as the Lakers pounded Memphis 114-98.

The struggling Memphis Grizzlies resume a grueling five- game road trip in Los Angeles Friday when they visit the Lakers at Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant carried the Lakers on his back with 41 points and six rebounds, but it was Andrew Bynum's foul shots late in overtime that gave Los Angeles a 103-102 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The surprising Houston Rockets face a big test Wednesday when they welcome the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers to Toyota Center.

Kobe Bryant poured in 31 points and hit the go-ahead jumper in overtime, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers kick off a quick two-game road trip Tuesday, when they face the improved Oklahoma City Thunder at Ford Center.

Kobe Bryant had a game-high 41 points to go with eight rebounds and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 118-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers were knocked to the canvas the last time out and will try to get back on their feet tonight, when they welcome the Atlanta Hawks to Staples Center.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds, and the Mavericks used a suffocating defense in the second half to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 94-80, at the Staples Center.

The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers shoot for their second straight win in the young season when they welcome the Dallas Mavericks to Staples Center.

The Los Angeles Lakers received their championship rings, raised their 15th title banner to the rafters at Staples Center and then got a sterling performance from Finals MVP Kobe Bryant to beat the Clippers, 99-92, in the season-opener for both teams.

The Los Angeles Lakers begin defense of their NBA championship Tuesday when they play host to their building mates, the Los Angeles Clippers, at Staples Center.

Rookie Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 29 points to go with six assists, as Denver cruised to a 119-105 win over Los Angeles at San Diego Sports Arena in the preseason finale for both teams.

Kobe Bryant poured in 23 points and Lamar Odom added 17 points and nine rebounds, as the Lakers began back-to-back games versus Denver to close the preseason with a 106-89 victory over the Nuggets.

Kobe Bryant netted 21 points and Andrew Bynum tallied 20 as the Los Angeles Lakers beat Golden State, 113-107, in preseason play.

In the sports world, I've noticed a second type of "Ugly American," and it concerns attitudes toward foreign-born players. The NBA's burgeoning worldwide popularity means more countries are playing the game of basketball at a higher level, and that means more foreign players in the league.

Andrew Bynum and Shannon Brown recorded 20 points each, as the Lakers logged a 114-108 victory against the Clippers to wrap up the Lakers Shootout.

Andrew Bynum and Josh Powell totaled 15 points each, as the Lakers took a 91-87 decision from the Charlotte Bobcats in preseason action from the Staples Center.

Andrew Bynum led all scorers with 24 points and eight rebounds, as the Lakers held off a late rally to down Sacramento, 98-92, in preseason action.