| Lakers used balanced effort to beat Suns 102-96 |
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Kobe Bryant had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists—along with seven turnovers—but it was the all-around game of the Los Angeles Lakers that led to an intense 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. The Lakers have been struggling and needed this victory to help with their confidence. The Suns rallied from 15 down in the second half and led briefly early in the fourth quarter before the Lakers pulled ahead for good. Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry was ejected by referee Mike Callahan and had to be restrained by his assistant coaches before leaving the court with 5:06 to play. Gentry thought Pau Gasol should have been called for a flagrant foul on Lou Amundson’s drive to the basket with 5:06 to play. Andrew Bynum added 18 points for the Lakers, while Gasol, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher scored 15 apiece. 
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