Lakers defeat Nuggets 99-97 in overtime
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-03 20:50

Kobe Bryant welcomed coach Phil Jackson back to the Lakers in style Wednesday night, sinking a 23-foot jumper with 0.6 seconds left in overtime to lift Los Angeles to a 99-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Bryant, who finished with 33 points, swished home the game-winner, than ran with clenched fist to the other end of the court, chest-bumping with Devean George and celebrating a victory in Jackson's first game back with the Lakers.

After a timeout, Denver's Voshon Lenard had a good look at a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it missed. Jackson walked off the bench with a smile and pointed toward a group of Lakers fans who staked out the corner of the Pepsi Center.

Bryant's big shot was his second chance at a game-winner. After trailing 89-84 late in regulation, the Lakers scored five straight points and got the ball back. Bryant went one-on-one with Greg Buckner and had a decent look at a long jumper, but it rimmed off at the buzzer and set the stage for overtime.

Helping the effort for the Lakers was newly acquired point guard Smush Parker, who finished with 20 points and six assists. Lamar Odom had eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Marcus Camby led Denver with 19 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out in overtime. Carmelo Anthony also fouled out in the extra period. He finished with 16 points on a frustrating 6-for-17 shooting night.

The finish for Los Angeles couldn't have been any more dramatic or perfect given the story line — Jackson returning to the team he led to three championships to coach Bryant, the player with whom he didn't always get along.

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