Streaking Lakers clip Hawks, 101-87

ATLANTA -- Kobe Bryant scored 26 points to pass Moses Malone on the career scoring list and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-87 on Tuesday night.

The Lakers took a three-game losing streak into the All-Star break. Since then, they've won eight straight, a streak that began with a similar 104-80 home win over the Hawks on Feb. 22.

Bryant passed Malone for sixth place on the list.

The Lakers' 7-footers - Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol - both had double-doubles and dramatically affected the Hawks' shot selection. Center Al Horford relied on jump shots for his 17 points.

Bynum had 16 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots. Gasol had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Josh Smith scored 16 points for the Hawks, who have lost four of five.

After leading 57-49 at halftime, the Lakers scored the first six points of the second half and stretched their lead to 22 points at 79-57 late in the third period. Smith had a three-point play in a 9-0 run for Atlanta to cut the lead to 90-82.

The Lakers answered with an 8-0 run, including Bryant's 3-pointer with 3:22 remaining.

Lakers fans chanted "MVP! MVP!" as Bryant made two free throws with 1:02 remaining. The free throws gave Los Angeles a 100-84 lead. Lakers coach Phil Jackson stuck with most of his starters for the final minute.

Bryant, the 13-time All-Star, began the night 12 points from matching Malone's 27,409 points. He passed Malone when he made three free throws with 2:05 remaining in the first half.

Bryant has moved past an impressive list of Hall of Fame scorers this season. He passed Malone one week after eclipsing Elvin Hayes for seventh. He also has topped the scoring totals of Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins and John Havlicek this season.

Los Angeles had five players in double figures before the end of the third period.

-- NOTES: Celebrities in the crowd included Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White and former NBA star Julius Erving, who lives in Atlanta. ... The Lakers took their first win in Atlanta since Feb. 5, 2007, ending the Hawks' streak of three straight home wins in the series. ... Lamar Odom had 12 points. Derek Fisher had 11 for Los Angeles.