ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Kobe Bryant scored 27 points and Smush Parker added a season-high 20, sending the Los Angeles Lakers to a 106-93 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

It was the third loss in a row for the struggling Magic, and the Lakers’ third win on a tough six-game road trip.

Grant Hill had 20 points for Orlando, while Jameer Nelson added 15 points and seven assists. Dwight Howard had 12 points and eight rebounds.

After scoring 15 points in the first half, Bryant virtually disappeared in the third quarter. He hit three free throws but missed three field-goal attempts and didn’t make a second-half shot from the field until a 3-pointer 1:17 into the fourth quarter.

The Lakers didn’t need him. Parker scored nine points during a 14-3 run in the third quarter, and Brian Cook nailed a 3-pointer just before the period ended to give Los Angeles a 79-73 lead.


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