Lakers weather the storm, pound Timberwolves

Bryant scores 13 of his 20 points in the first quarter. Bad weather keeps the crowd small and makes problematic a trip from the team’s hotel across the street.

L.A. Times: Even with a bout of the stomach flu, Kobe Bryant was too much for the NBA’s worst team.

Bryant scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half to help Los Angeles jump out to a big lead, and the Lakers cruised the rest of the way to a 116-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Trevor Ariza added 15 points and five rebounds, and Bryant also had five assists for the Lakers, who dropped Minnesota to 2-14.

Al Jefferson had 12 points and 12 rebounds, but shot just 5-for-14 from the field. The Timberwolves have lost their last three games by a combined 65 points.

A sparse crowd braved a winter snow storm to make it to the game, and the weather even wreaked havoc with the Lakers’ short travel plans.

The Lakers stayed in a hotel across the street from the Target Center, but the bus that was supposed to pick them up and bring them to the arena was late because the poor road conditions created a traffic snarl in the city.

Continue reading ‘Lakers weather the storm, pound Timberwolves’