Bryant keys L.A. win

Kobe Bryant scored 43 points and the Los Angeles Lakers used an impressive second half to beat the Seattle SuperSonics 106-93 on Friday night in Seattle.

The Lakers used a solid third-quarter surge to pick up a critical road win in their battle for a playoff spot.

The Lakers (39-35) are seventh in the Western Conference and 11/2 games up on Sacramento.

Bryant had his 22nd 40-point game of the season. The league’s leading scorer is one behind Elgin Baylor’s franchise record for the most 40-point games in one season. Baylor set the mark during the 1962-63 season. Bryant made 17 of 38 shots and scored 24 in the second half.

Lamar Odom (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Kwame Brown (12 points, 13 rebounds) had double-doubles.

Ray Allen led Seattle with 29 points, but was just 2 for 8 in the fourth quarter with five points. Rashard Lewis returned to the lineup after missing a game with a sprained right ankle.

Turiaf fares well

Ronny Turiaf doesn’t hold the fondest memories of Seattle’s KeyArena after losing there in the 2004 NCAA tournament.

The former Gonzaga star gladly put those bad recollections aside Friday night. After open heart surgery, playing in any arena is a joy.

“I’m just thankful I get a chance to play for the Lakers,” Turiaf said. “It was hell. I went through the toughest thing in my life. I don’t want to think about it anymore.”

Turiaf was back in Washington state for the first time as a member of the Lakers as they faced the SuperSonics. In 16 minutes, 24 seconds, he had six points, seven rebounds and three assists.

It’s been just seven months since his surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root. Turiaf signed with the Lakers on Jan. 17, and has slowly worked his way into coach Phil Jackson’s rotation.

Lately, Turiaf has been playing more as the Lakers’ frontcourt is riddled with injuries. He is averaging 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds and 6 minutes.

“We haven’t given him a role yet,” Jackson said. “He brings enthusiasm to the game and he’s got an upside to his game because he’s got intelligence to play the game, a knowledge to what he should be doing and a feel for it.”

Lakers 106, SuperSonics 93

Percentages: FG .465, FT .692. 3-Point Goals: 8-19, .421 (Walton 2-3, Odom 1-1, George 1-2, Vujacic 1-2, Cook 1-3, Bryant 1-4, Parker 1-4). Team Rebounds: 9. Team Turnovers: 14 (10 PTS). Blocked Shots: 8 (Cook 3, Brown, Bryant, George, Parker, Turiaf). Turnovers: 13 (Bryant 6, Brown 2, Odom, Parker, Turiaf, Vujacic, Walton). Steals: 10 (Parker 3, George 2, Odom 2, Brown, Bryant, Walton). Technical Fouls: Bryant, 5:26 second.

Percentages: FG .380, FT 1.000. 3-Point Goals: 9-23, .391 (Allen 5-13, Watson 3-5, Ras.Lewis 1-5). Team Rebounds: 8. Team Turnovers: 20 (30 PTS). Blocked Shots: 2 (Petro, Swift). Turnovers: 20 (Allen 5, Watson 4, Wilkins 3, Ras.Lewis 2, Petro 2, Swift 2, Moore, Ridnour). Steals: 8 (Ridnour 5, Allen, Ras.Lewis, Watson). Technical Fouls: None.

A—17,072 (17,072). T—2:27.