Read more about this game on our Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll and Grizzlies blog Straight Outta Vancouver.
Welcome Back, Kobe: Bryant Hits Game Winner In Return
Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant returned from a five-game absence and willed the Lakers to their latest win, as the superstar hit a three- pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining to boost Los Angeles over Memphis, 99-98, at FedExForum.
Bryant scored 32, including the team’s final nine points, to finish the contest and give the Lakers their fifth win in six games. He missed the previous five with a sore ankle and played in his first game since February 5 against Denver.
In his last visit to Memphis, on Feb. 1, Bryant scored 44 points and passed Jerry West for first place on the Lakers' all-time scoring list. But he passed up the potential winning shot to Ron Artest, who missed the attempt in a 95-93 Memphis victory.
Tuesday proved a much different result for the Lakers, who also received 22 points and 13 rebounds from Pau Gasol. Andrew Bynum contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
O.J. Mayo ended with 25 points for the Grizzlies, who lost for the seventh time in nine games. Zach Randolph had 20 points and 14 rebounds in defeat as the Grizzlies wasted a four-point lead with 2:07 remaining.
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