Basketball: LA Lakers 101 Golden State 77

Kobe Bryant's 27 points helped Los Angeles pull away in the second half Friday and the Lakers ended a tumultuous day by downing Golden State 101-77. Los Angles dismissed Coach Mike Brown earlier in the day and replaced him on an interim basis with assistant Bernie Bickerstaff. The Lakers, who had lost four of their first five games this season, responded with a solid performance against the Warriors. Bryant made 10-of-18 shots from the field, had a blocked shot and made two steals. Pau Gasol added 14 points and Jordan Hill also had 14 off the bench. The Warriors were within a point early in the third period before the Lakers began to take over. Stephen Curry scored 18 points to lead Golden State.