Kobe lifts Lakers as Artest returns to face familiar faces

AP Photos

The Toyota Center played host to one of the NBA’s most anticipated games so far between the LA Lakers and the Houston Rockets. The Lakers won it by a single point; a 103-102 victory was enough to see of the Rockets.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to its victory with a staggering 41 points and six rebounds while new hit-man Ron Artest bagged a total of 15 points and six rebounds.

Also there to face his old team was Trevor Ariza of the Rockets, who returned to face the Lakers with a respectable 15 points, nine rebounds and five assist.