NBA: Los Angeles Lakers 109, Dallas 93

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points Wednesday and helped keep the Los Angeles Lakers unbeaten against Dallas this season with a 109-93 win over the Mavericks. After being swept out of the playoffs in four games by Dallas during the second round last year, the Lakers have downed the Mavericks in all three of their meetings this season. They will play again in Los Angeles next month. Los Angeles ended a two-game skid while Dallas had a four-game winning streak halted. The Lakers took a 15-point halftime lead and maintained a comfortable advantage during the final two periods. Bryant made 11-of-18 from the field and all seven of his free throw opportunities. Pau Gasol added 27 points and Ramon Sessions had 17 off the bench. Dallas was led by Dirk Nowitzki with 26 points. Lamar Odom, traded from the Lakers to Dallas at the start of the season, played 23 minutes against his former team. He took just three shots and did not make any of them.