[Basketball News]

HOUSTON, Dec. 12 (AP)-- Kobe Bryant was already icing his knees, believing the victory was secure. The next thing he knew, Phil Jackson was asking him to rescue the Los Angeles Lakers from the hard-charging Houston Rockets.

Bryant scored 23 points and the Lakers overcame the loss of Lamar Odom and the Rockets' near-historic comeback to beat Houston 102-94 Tuesday night.

The Lakers led by 27 points - 93-66 - with 9:45 left. Jackson pulled Bryant 3 minutes later and Bryant figured his night was over. However, Los Angeles didn't score another field goal until the final minute and the Rockets got within two before the Lakers pulled out the victory they should've sealed long before.

``That was the weirdest game I've ever been a part of,'' Bryant said. ``That's the first time I've put the ice on and had to come back out and play. It's almost like Red Auerbach smoking the cigar.''

Lakers Hold On For Victory Over Rockets

[Lefty Noob]

Classic case of counting your chickens before they hatch... when are people going to learn that NO lead is safe in professional sports. We've seen amazing comebacks in baseball, football, so why not in the NBA? Bryant goes out with a 27-point lead and it all just falls apart.

[MJHMarc]

Just sad...

But a win is a win.