Lakers Escape Loss To Bobcats, Win 3rd Straight
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant scored four of his 30 points in the final 1:26 and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame an 18-point third-quarter deficit to beat Charlotte 101-100 on Tuesday night, handing the Bobcats their 12th straight loss.
Jodie Meeks and Metta World Peace each had 17 points for the Lakers, who won their third straight to match their longest winning streak of the season. Pau Gasol, back after missing eight games with tendinitis in both knees, had 10 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes and shot 3 for 10.
World Peace was not in the starting lineup for the first time after starting the first 25 games. Reserve center Jordan Hill missed his third straight game because of back spasms.
Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 28 points, reserve Ramon Sessions added 20 and Gerald Henderson had 19. Byron Mullens finished with 17 rebounds and 13 points.
