"Kobe Bryant's body, like his supporting cast, may be showing signs of decline but Bryant's will and competitive fire are as strong as ever.

Just ask the Knicks.

Bryant scored 28 points as the Lakers, playing without Andrew Bynum, defeated the Knicks 99-82 Thursday night at Staples Center. Mike D'Antoni's team lost its second straight game in as many days as the Knicks imploded offensively in the fourth quarter, scoring just 10 points and only 31 in the second half.

“Everything is just difficult for us right now,” Tyson Chandler said after the Knicks fell to 1-2.

Amar’e Stoudemire had an awful night, missing 13 of 17 shots, committing four turnovers and spraining his ankle in the final minutes. Stoudemire will be re-evaluated on Friday and will likely play against Sacramento on Saturday.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 27 points but he committed five turnovers as he tried to play facilitator rather than scorer. He made 8 of 14 shots and attempted just five shots in the second half or one more than Toney Douglas and one less than Landry Fields.

“We’ll get better,” said Anthony, who suffered a minor foot injury in the fourth quarter. “There’s not too much to get worried about three games into the season. I’ll be ready for practice, ready for Sacramento and ready for a win.”

The Knicks trailed over the final 39 minutes and for the third straight game trailed by double digits in the fourth quarter. The Knicks made just 21 of 67 shots and managed to keep the game close through three quarters because they were constantly at the foul line. The Knicks made 34 of 41 free throws including 11 of 14 from Tyson Chandler."