Kobe Bryant gets the better of LeBron James

If Kobe Bryant was looking for an added challenge against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, then the Los Angeles Lakers superstar got more than he bargained for.

Playing through the pain of dislocated right ring finger, Bryant had 20 points, 12 assists and a half dozen rebounds in the Lakers 105-88 win over Cleveland at Staples Center arena. Bryant sustained a dislocated finger in the opening minutes of the first quarter of Monday's game as the Lakers finally beat Cleveland after failing in their previous five attempts.

"My teammates looked at it and looked away," Bryant said of the injury. "No fun."

It was a matchup that pitted the teams with the best records in their respective conferences and the leading contenders for the Most Valuable Player award.

"It was a big game for us because they're a physical team and that's been one of our weaknesses in the past," Bryant said. "I felt like it was a great test for us to play against a team this tough."

Bryant aggravated the injury in the third quarter but continued to play. Trainers taped the ring finger to his pinky finger so he could stay in the game. The reigning NBA MVP sparked a pivotal 11-1 run midway through the fourth quarter, scoring seven points during the stretch, to help turn a close contest into a comfortable 91-73 cushion.

"Kobe has a lot of years left in the NBA, he isn't going to get just one MVP," Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. "He's on the hunt for championships and to be the best player ever."

James, who currently poses the biggest threat to dethrone Bryant in the search for his first MVP award, did his best to keep things close. He finished with 23 points and his basket with 2:56 remaining cut the deficit to 93-85, but the Cavs would get no closer. James struggled with his shot, hitting just nine-of-25 attempts, but added nine rebounds and four steals.

"It's always great playing Kobe," James said. "When you go against the best, it brings out the best in you. He's one of the ultimate competitors we have in the game today. I enjoy going against him."

Bryant, who hasu00a0a day off to rest and recuperate, is also sporting a bandage over his right eye after receiving four stitches to close a cut suffered in a recent game against Miami.

"He's got a number of issues," said Laker coach Phil Jackson. "He seems to fight his way through it."