Lakers defeat Bobcats on Bryant's winning points, tough defense

Kobe Bryant took a big step in the right direction, scoring a season-high 21 points to help the Lakers defeat the Charlotte Bobcats 88-85 for their first win since Bryant returned four games ago.

Bryant was 8-of-15 from the field and hit two free throws with 37 seconds left in the game to put the Lakers ahead for good.

Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill had 15 points apiece for the Lakers and Nick Young had 13 points off the bench.

Kemba Walker had 24 points and eight assists for the slumping Bobcats, who have lost three straight and five of their last seven.