Kobe Bryant scored 45 points as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat Phoenix Suns 95-89 in Game 3 of their first round NBA Western Conference playoff series at home on Thursday.

Bryant scored 15 points in the final period as the Lakers held on to beat the Suns, who still hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Lamar Odom collected 18 points and 16 rebounds and Kwame Brown had 19 and six for the Lakers, who held a 19-6 advantage on the offensive glass and shot 16 more free throws.

Amare Stoudemire collected 24 points and 10 rebounds and Leandro Barbosa added 20 points for Phoenix.

Game Four will be in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Editor: Donald