Lakers Shock Spurs 98-84 While Kobe Bryant Sits out His Third Consecutive Game

The Los Angeles Lakers proved they hardly a one-man team, offing the Spurs 98-84 Wednesday night in San Antonio while Kobe Bryant sat out for his third straight game on account of a sore shin.

Gregg Popovich rested stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili two nights ago against the Utah Jazz, and it looked like Parker never stopped resting. He scored just four points and a dreadful 2-12 shooting.

Parker wasn't alone. The Spurs' usually potent offense struggled mightily through the first three quarters, handing Los Angeles an insurmountable lead. San Antonio wound up shooting 41 percent on the night, but spent most of the game hovering around just 38.

The Lakers, meanwhile, looked like a team ready for the postseason to start with or without their superstar. Andrew Bynum tallied a remarkable 30 rebounds, breaking the all-time record for a Spurs' opponent.

Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol led the Lakers' offense with 26 and 21 points respectively. World Peace was especially impressive, making 10 of his 15 field-goal attempts, including five baskets from range.

The Spurs will attempt to bounce back from their lackluster performance tomorrow night against the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers have a night off before hosting the Denver Nuggets.

San Antonio and Los Angeles will face off twice more this month, giving the two clubs plenty of face time before they make their playoff runs.