Kobe Bryant gets hot but Warriors still topple Lakers, 127-104

Golden State Warriors 127, Lakers 104

Kobe Bryant looked like the Kobe Bryant of old, scoring 19 points in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough as the Warriors handed the Lakers their fourth loss in a row to open the season -- a franchise worst since moving to Los Angeles.

Klay Thompson, in his first game since signing a four-year, maximum-extension deal with the Warriors, scored a career-high 41 points. Stephen Curry finished with 31 points.

The Lakers started the season with the most difficult schedule in the NBA, playing four games in five nights against the Houston Rockets (3-0), Phoenix Suns (2-1), Clippers (2-0) and Warriors (2-0).

The Suns visit the Lakers at Staples Center on Tuesday before the Lakers finally get a break with four days off until hosting the Charlotte Hornets next Sunday.

The Lakers played well in the first quarter, advancing to a 10-point lead in the second before the Warriors completely took over, ending the first half up six.

Bryant’s firepower was only enough to keep pace with Golden State in the third quarter, and the Lakers simply ran out of gas in the fourth.

In 36 minutes, Bryant scored 28 points, shooting 12 for 28 from the field. Jordan Hill was also effective, putting in 23 points while hitting 10 of 14 shots.

Wesley Johnson hit double figures with 15 points, as did Ed Davis (13). Jeremy Lin missed all six of his attempts, finishing with six points and six assists as well as five turnovers.

The Warriors shot 55.4% from the field and 47.8% (11 of 23) from three-point range. The Lakers made 46.6% and 28.6% (4 of 14), respectively.

The game was competitive for 36 minutes, with the Warriors padding the margin in the fourth with a 34-18 final quarter.

Golden State will visit the Portland Trail Blazers (1-1) on Sunday night.

Warriors 93, Lakers 86 (end of the third quarter)

Kobe Bryant was on target in the third quarter, when he score 19 points to help keep the Lakers within striking distance of the Warriors.

Bryant, who had eight points at the half, made nine of 14 shots to reach 27 points. The Lakers are shooting 51.4% from the field for the game.

As great as Bryant was, so too was the Golden State backcourt of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry.

Thompson has 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting while Curry has 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting. The Warriors are shooting 53.7% from the field and 50% (9 of 18) from three-point range.

The Lakers are 3 of 12 (25%) from long distance. Jordan Hill has 19 points while Wesley Johnson has 15.

Warriors 61, Lakers 55 (halftime)

The Lakers stormed ahead in the second quarter, extending to a 10-point lead (43-33).

Golden State quickly answered, putting in 14 consecutive points to turn the deficit into a four-point lead.

When the dust settled, the Warriors’ 33-12 run put them ahead by six at halftime.

Jeremy Lin, who struggled from the field (0-3), hit six late free throws to give the Lakers some desperately needed points.

Kobe Bryant struggled to get anything to fall, but a wild reverse layup had just the right backspin to drop in for his seventh and eighth points.

Jordan Hill led the Lakers with 14 points as the team shot 48.9% from the field.

The Warriors were led by Stephen Curry’s 20 points. Klay Thompson contributed 13 and Harrison Barnes had nine.

Golden State shot 51.2% from the field and 55.6% (5-9) from three-point range.

Lakers 35, Warriors 29 (end of the first quarter)

The Lakers looked sharp against the Warriors in the first quarter, shooting a blistering 62.5% (15 of 24) from the field.

Jordan Hill scored 10 points, missing only one of his six shots as he continued to show his improved shooting range. Kobe Bryant hit two of six shots for six points in the quarter while Wesley Johnson contributed eight points.

Stephen Curry led all scorers with 14 as the Warriors shot 50% from the field.

Draymond Green started at power forward for the injured David Lee.

Pregame

The Lakers (0-3) hope to end their three-game losing streak on Saturday night, but playing the Golden State Warriors (1-0) during their home opener might be too much to ask.

Golden State trounced the Lakers twice in the preseason, although David Lee (hamstring) and Brandon Rush (back) might not play.

The Lakers will play without Julius Randle (leg), Steve Nash (back), Nick Young (thumb) and Ryan Kelly (hamstring).

For an in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers at Golden State Warriors.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.