With the Nets on a six game losing streak, the Lakers were one of the last teams they wanted to see pay them a visit at the Prudential Center. The struggling Nets put forth a valiant effort, but, as has been their M.O. this season, fell short in the final minutes in a 99-92 loss.
After trailing throughout most of the game, the Nets grabbed a 78-77 lead with 7:09 remaining. They basically played the Lakers evenly in the ensuing minutes, with Devin Harris shot at the 2:44 mark knotting the game at 87. From that point, Los Angeles left the Nets in the dust, going on an 8-0 over the next two minutes to pull away. Three points by Pau Gasol started the run, and then a slam dunk and a 3-pointer from the top of the key by Lamar Odom put the game on ice.
Kobe Bryant led L.A. with 32 points, six assists and four steals. Odom finished with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Gasol and Derek Fisher chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively. Gasol also added 11 rebounds and five blocks.
Brook Lopez led New Jersey with 25 points and nine rebounds. Devin Harris, after spraining is shoulder in Dallas on Thursday, contributed 16 points and 10 assists. Kris Humphries added another double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Anthony Morrow chipped in 15 points.
The 6-18 Nets will return to action on Tuesday when they take on the 76ers in Newark.