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Bryant again appeared to be feeling the effects of his sore back and broken finger, managing just four points in the first half before a 1-for-8 effort in the third quarter. He fell well short of the 30 points he needed to become the youngest player in NBA history to score 25,000 points in front of the home fans before the Lakers' lengthy trip.
Los Angeles jumped to a 21-8 lead just 7 minutes in with inspired play by Derek Fisher, who hit two 3-pointers and a one-on-four fast-break layup while also playing energetic defense. While Bryant struggled for open shots, Brown carried the Lakers through the second quarter with 11 points before the Magic capitalized on Los Angeles' 5-of-22 slump to open the second half.
NOTES: Orlando swept the regular-season series from Los Angeles last season, winning 109-103 at Staples Center exactly one year and two days earlier. ... Unless Bryant goes nearly scoreless for the next month, he'll be the youngest player to score 25,000 points. He also was the youngest player to score 23,000 and 24,000, although he had a big head start over Wilt Chamberlain by skipping college. ... Courtside fans included Adam Sandler, Leonardo DiCaprio and model Bar Refaeli, and California first lady Maria Shriver.
[Associated Press;
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