NBA: LA Lakers 117, Orlando 113

Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and hit four key free throws Friday in helping the Los Angeles Lakers hold off Orlando 117-113.

Recently-acquired Pau Gasol added 30 points for the Lakers, who are six games deep into a season-long, nine-game road trip. Los Angeles is 4-2 on the journey.

Orlando, which lost for just the third time in 11 games, got 19 points and 11 rebounds from Dwight Howard.

Los Angeles led by 11 beginning the final period, but Orlando got back in it thanks to an 11-2 run.

The Magic took a one-point lead only to have Bryant put the Los Angeles Lakers back in front with two foul shots with a minute to play. Lamar Odom scored to give Los Angeles a three-point edge with 30 seconds left, after which Orlando's Rashard Lewis missed a three-point attempt.

Kobe Bryant came up with the rebound and was immediately fouled. His two free throws gave the Lakers a five-point cushion and Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu made a foul shot with four seconds left for the final margin.

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