Navarro scores 25 points to help Barcelona to 92-88 victory over Lakers

Navarro has 25, Barcelona tops Lakers 92-88

BARCELONA, Spain — Juan Carlos Navarro scored 25 points to help Barcelona to a 92-88 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in an exhibition Thursday.

Spanish center Pau Gasol led the NBA champions with 24 points, but his homecoming was spoiled by the European champion in a game that was billed as an informal intercontinental showdown.

Kobe Bryant, recovering from knee surgery, scored 15 points on 2-of-15 shooting in 25 minutes. He made 11 of 12 free throws, but missed all six 3-pointers.

The score was tied at 72 midway through the fourth quarter and Barcelona outplayed the Lakers the rest of the way. Los Angeles also lost to Minnesota in London on Monday, and heads home 0-2 on its preseason European tour.