Lakers Take Down Knicks On Christmas Day

Kobe Bryant poured in 34 points and Pau Gasol added 13, including a driving dunk in the closing second to cement L.A.'s 100-94 win over the Knicks on Christmas Day at Staples Center.

Carmelo Anthony scored 34 of his own in the losing effort with J.R. Smith putting in 25 points.

The Knicks have dropped three of their last five, heading into a day-after Christmas meeting with the Suns in Phoenix.

Miami's win over the Thunder on Christmas Day pushes the Heat 1/2 game ahead of New York for the best record in the Eastern Conference.