LAKERS 97, TIMBERWOLVES 92: Kobe Bryant scored 28 points as Los Angeles ran its winning streak over visiting Minnesota to 19 games a day after shaking up its roster at the trade deadline.

The Timberwolves have not beaten the Lakers since March 6, 2007, and have lost 12 in a row at Staples Center, last winning there Dec. 2, 2005.

Steve Blake started at point guard a day after the Lakers traded Derek Fisher to Houston, but was scoreless with six assists. Ramon Sessions, obtained from Cleveland in a deadline trade, had seven points, five assists and four rebounds in 19 minutes and is likely to start.

Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Pau Gasol had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who have won five in a row. Matt Barnes scored 17 off the bench.

Kevin Love led Minnesota with 27 points and 15 rebounds for his 30th 20-point, 10-rebound game of the season.

Nikola Pekovic had 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, while Luke Ridnour had 12 points, all in the second half, and 10 assists. Martell Webster added 12 points.

The Lakers earned a big differential on 3-pointers, making 10 of 22 to Minnesota's 4 of 22.

The Lakers led by as much as 16 in the third quarter before Minnesota cut it to six, but Bryant and Bynum kept the Timberwolves at bay.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Sessions was overjoyed to join the Lakers. “It’s just a dream come true,” Sessions said Friday before the game. "I know a lot about the history of the Lakers, and it’s just an honor, a privilege." ... Lakers center Jordan Hill, acquired in a trade with Houston, did not dress. ... Forward Michael Beasley (sore big toe) sat out his second straight game for the Timberwolves. ... Minnesota had a 48-34 edge in points in the paint.