(AP) -- With Pau Gasol having returned to action, Kobe Bryant hasn't been forced to shoulder as much of the scoring load in the last two games for the Los Angeles Lakers. Maybe that will help the New York Knicks contain Bryant this time around.
Bryant faces the Knicks for the first time since a spectacular 61-point performance in February as the Lakers try for a fourth straight victory Tuesday night at Staples Center.
Los Angeles (10-3) got an average of 31.0 points from Bryant during its 8-3 start without an injured Gasol, who returned and had 24 points and 13 boards last Friday in a 108-93 win over Chicago. Gasol had 15 points in Sunday's 101-85 rout of Oklahoma City. (MORE)
