That’s the Old Kobe We Know and Love: Taking his most shots from the field (23) and free throw line (18) this season, Kobe Bryant exploded for 40 against the crosstown Clips as the Lakers claimed first place in the Pacific Division with a narrow 105-101 victory. Kwame Brown chipped in 10-14, and Lamar Odom had 18 as the Lakers improved to 8-3. Elton Brand had 20-15 as the Clippers fell to 6-3.

No Webber, No Iverson, No Chance: Without a pouting Chris Webber (lower back) and a writhing Allen Iverson (oral surgery), the 76ers started a backcourt of Willie Green and Kevin Ollie and Philly was trampled by Detroit 97-87. Tayshaun Price had 25 for the 6-5 Pistons, who have won three straight. The 76ers fell to 4-6.

Tyson’s Fine, So Are the Hornets: Tyson Chandler, who missed Charlotte’s last game with back injury, returned to the lineup and collected 18 rebounds, as the Hornets overcame the fact they had to start Marc Jackson at power forward, and drilled the Heat, 101-86. Peja led a three-point attack by sinking five triples (as a team, New Orleans was 11-for-19).

LeBron’s Off? Hughes Is Hurt? No Worries.: Drew Gooden had his best game of the young season with 22 points and 15 boards as the Cavs overcame an off-night from LeBron James and a furious second-half rally by the Grizzlies to pick up a 97-94 victory. King James had 15-9, proving that even he is a mere mortal on occasion. Memphis is an NBA worst 2-9. Wait, it gets worse: Promising rookie Kyle Lowry injured his wrist in the second half and didn’t return.

Melo’s Got a Wingman: Denver’s JR Smith went off for career-high 36 points, and Carmelo Anthony added 29 as the Nuggets sent the Bulls to their fifth straight loss. Denver 113, Chicago 109. Marcus Camby out-shone Ben Wallace in the middle – 13-15-5 blocks to Big Ben’s 11-16-3 – as the Nuggets improved to 5-4. It’s funny – three weeks ago, the Bulls thumped the Heat in the NBA season opener, and were instantly deemed Title contenders. Now, Chicago is 3-8, losers of five straight.