Kobe's career-high 17 assists not enough against LeBron, Cavs

LeBron James outdueled Kobe Bryant down the stretch, and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped a six-game losing streak to get back to .500 (20-20) with a 109-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

James, who seemed a bit off in the early portions of his second game back from knee and back strains, finished with 36 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Kyrie Irving added 22 points for the Cavs, while Kevin Love battled through back spasms to post 17 points and seven rebounds.

It was Cleveland's first win since trading for J.R. Smith, the injured Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov, and was Smith's first win since Nov. 22.

Bryant finished with 19 points and a career-high 17 assists in a losing effort, as he took only 14 shots and looked for teammates throughout the game.

Bryant, who stayed within his 32-minute limit, also recorded a first half double-double for the first time in more than 12 years.

Jordan Hill led the Lakers with 20 points.