NBA: LA Lakers lose to Denver Nuggets

Los Angeles: Kobe Bryant scored 29 points but it did not prove to be enough as Los Angeles Lakers lost 108-119 to the Denver Nuggets for their first defeat after the NBA All-Star weekend Monday night.

Each team did a great offence job -- the Lakers shot 55.1 percent from the floor while the Nuggets shot 55.7. However, the Lakers had poor defence and too many turnovers while the Nuggets dominated the game with fast-break points. Mamba got a technical foul at the end of the first half, which made his total technical fouls 14 this season, only two more to get banned for a game. Bryant also contributed nine assists and six rebounds, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 14 boards but missed 11 of his 14 free throws. Steve Nash donated 16 for the Lakers. The Nuggets Wilson Chandler scored 23 points, Ty Lawson contributed 22 points, bench Corey Brewer added 16 points. IANS