LOS ANGELES - KOBE Bryant scored 41 points to lead the injury-hit Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

Bryant made 19-of-30 shots for his second 40-point performance in a row, and his third in four games, as last season's NBA champions carved out another win despite the absence of injured starters Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Ron Artest had 11 of his 19 points in the third quarter where the Lakers (5-1) used a 9-0 spurt to build a 74-64 advantage.

Artest added seven assists and six rebounds as he continues to grow comfortable with his new team having signed with Los Angeles in the off-season.

Rudy Gay recorded a team-high 22 points and Zach Randolph had 21 for the Grizzlies (1-5), who lost their fourth in a row. -- REUTERS