Los Angeles then scored the final 12 points of the third quarter to take an 86-68 lead. Bryant stayed in the game until midway through the fourth quarter.

Rambis received his ring and a warm ovation from the Staples Center crowd before the game. The longtime Lakers forward and assistant coach accepted the task of rebuilding the Timberwolves last summer, bringing the triangle offense to Minneapolis with little success so far.

"There's been such a long time from when we actually won 'til now, that all those emotions have kind of gone away," Rambis said. "But it's always good to get it, because it signifies a lot. It's good to show my family, and add it to the others in the attic somewhere."

NOTES: The Lakers still haven't lost since Gasol's return from injury, going 10-0. ... Longtime Utah Jazz broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley joined the Lakers' television team for the first of six games filling in for regular color commentator Stu Lantz. ... Rambis played nine seasons for the Lakers, winning four titles, before winning two more rings during seven seasons during this decade as an assistant coach.