LAKERS 99, WARRIORS 87: Pau Gasol had his first triple-double since 2010 and Andrew Bynum scored 31 as visiting Los Angeles pounded Golden State to stay ahead of the Clippers for third place in the West.

Gasol had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his fifth career triple-double as the Lakers (40-23) remained a half-game ahead of the Clippers.

Bynum was 12 of 14 and also had nine rebounds. Metta World Peace had 18 points and nine assists.

Kobe Bryant missed his seventh consecutive game because of a sore left shin, but seems to be getting better and could return by the weekend.

Golden State again started four rookies and was worn down by the larger, more experienced Lakers. Klay Thompson led Golden State (22-39) with 17 points, Jeremy Tyler finished with 15 points and six rebounds and Dorell Wright finished with 12 points.

The Warriors made seven of their first 12 shots but missed 14 of their next 19 and fell behind 40-28. The Lakers led by as many as 17 but the Warriors played zone defense and pulled to 56-48 at halftime.

Bynum scored 23 in the first half on 9-for-11 shooting.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Bryant moved closer to returning and coach Mike Brown said he could play Friday against San Antonio. Bryant increased his workload Wednesday and ran at full speed. “He's made progress and we like where he is right now,” Brown said. … The Lakers outrebounded the Warriors 55-40 and had 34 assists to the Warriors’ 23.