Kobe Bryant scored four points with 1:26 left in the game to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a thrilling 101-100 victory over Charlotte, and with it hand the Bobcats their 12th loss in a row.
"We just tried to grind it out. I think it was a big lesson for us," the Associated Press quoted Bryant as saying. "We managed to stick together. We could have folded, but we didn't. We stayed together and played hard."
Bryant had 30 points in the game, to go with seven assists and six rebounds. Jodie Meeks and Metta World Peace had 17 points apiece, Pau Gasol finished with 10 points, five assists and nine rebounds, while Dwight Howard contributed 16 points and 18 rebounds.
"My stamina was good," Gasol, who was returning from an injury, said. "I think I kept up with them pretty well and I pushed through those times when I got a little fatigued. I was pretty active and my knees are feeling much better than they were. I just have to be more confident out there."
Coach Mike D'Antoni explained his decision to not start with World Peace for the first time in 25 games.
"I want him to play the 4, and we have to be able to change our team," D'Antoni said. "I hate it for Jordan Hill right now because he is the odd man out, and he doesn't deserve it.
"He's played well and he is a good player. But for us to have a different team -- a different look -- Metta has to play the 4. ... As soon as Metta gets more comfortable with that role, he will be very productive as a 4."
For the Bobcats, Kemba Walker had 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Ramon Sessions netted 20 points on seven of 13 from the field, Gerald Henderson finished with 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Byron Mullens contributed with 13 points and chipped in with 17 rebounds. Mullens also shot three 3-pointers for Charlotte.
The Lakers outscored the Bobcats 27-25 in the first quarter, while in the second Charlotte added 33 points, whereas Los Angeles had only 26.
The Lakers were trailing 80-62, after the Bobcats went on a 14-5 run with 5:38 remaining in the third. But the Lakers cut the deficit and led 90-84 in the fourth quarter. With the scores close in the final moments, Bryant hit a three-pointer to put the Lakers ahead with 1:26 remaining to lead his team to victory.
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