Kobe Bryant scores 26 as Lakers bounce back to beat Rockets 118-78 to take 3-2 series lead

LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant needed only three quarters to score 26 points and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from their Game 4 flop, routing the Houston Rockets 118-78 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Bryant scores 26 in 3 quarters, Lakers bounce back to beat Rockets 118-78

LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant needed only three quarters to score 26 points and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from their Game 4 flop, routing the Houston Rockets 118-78 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Kobe Bryant scores 40 points in Lakers’ rough 111-98 playoff win over Rockets; series tied 1-1

LOS ANGELES — Another rough-and-tumble game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets turned bloody. This time, though, the Lakers defended their home court. Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Pau Gasol added 22 points and 14 rebounds and the Lakers won Game 2 111-98 on Wednesday night to even the Western Conference semifinal series.

Bryant scores 40 points in Lakers’ rough 111-98 playoff win over Rockets

LOS ANGELES — Another rough-and-tumble game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets turned bloody. This time, though, the Lakers defended their home court.

Yao, Rockets outmuscle Lakers 100-92 in opener of Western Conference semis

LOS ANGELES — Blood flowed, players were sprawled on the court and the Houston Rockets came into Staples Center and outmuscled Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Sore throat not expected to slow Bryant when Lakers open series vs. Artest, Rockets

LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant missed practice Sunday because of a sore throat, which raised few worries among the Los Angeles Lakers.