BRYANT COMES THROUGH IN OT : ROOKIE FINISHES WITH 20 POINTS LAKERS 102 VANCOUVER 98.

Byline: Associated Press

Rookie Kobe Bryant, getting his second straight start in place of the injured Eddie Jones, scored five of his 20 points in overtime as the Lakers beat the Vancouver Grizzlies 102-98 Thursday night.

Elden Campbell scored 25 points for the Lakers, who played without starters Shaquille O'Neal (knee), Robert Horry (knee) and Jones, who missed his second straight game with a bruised left calf.

Bryant's 3-pointer with 1:39 left in overtime gave the Lakers a 99-94 lead. Two minutes later, Bryant drove for a layup to make it 101-95.

Lee Mayberry hit a 3-pointer to cut the Lakers' lead to three, but the Grizzlies turned the ball over on their next possession when rookie Chris Robinson's errant pass was run down by the Lakers' Byron Scott.

The Lakers moved 25 games over .500 for the first time in six seasons, and also pulled within 1-1/2 games of the Pacific Division-leading Seattle SuperSonics.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim led the Grizzlies with 21 points, while fellow rookie Roy Rogers pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds. Vancouver was forced to finish the game without starting center Bryant Reeves, who fouled out with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

After Bryant put the Lakers ahead 92-90 on two free throws with 3.3 seconds remaining in regulation, Grizzlies rookie Chris Robinson made two free throws with 2.8 seconds left to force overtime.

The Lakers, who trailed by 10 points in the third quarter, rallied to take a 71-65 lead early in the fourth quarter following a 15-4 run.

Lakers rookie Travis Knight scored 19 points, while Aaron Williams scored a career-high 16 points for the Grizzlies.

Notes: The Grizzlies are 0-8 against the Lakers. . . . Jones is listed as questionable for the Lakers' next game, Tuesday in Seattle. Horry, who missed his 19th game, could be ready to make his return against the Sonics. . . . Despite a 12-61 record, the Grizzlies are on pace with their expansion season, which they finished 15-67. . . . Grizzlies starting guard Greg Anthony (heel) was a pregame scratch. . . . The Lakers are 12-10 since losing O'Neal to a knee injury.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: Vancouver's Shareef Abdur-Rahim (3) shoots over Lakers center Sean Rooks (45).

Associated Press

Box: LAKERS BOX