Lakers Sneak By Sonics In OT

Kobe Bryant scored five of his 33 points in overtime Monday night as the Los Angeles Lakers, again playing without Shaquille O'Neal, beat the Seattle SuperSonics 106-103.

Bryant, who also had 10 rebounds and six assists, made a short bank shot with 1:36 remaining to snap a 100-all tie and put the Lakers ahead for good.

Glen Rice, who had 28 points and nine rebounds, made two free throws with 10.4 seconds left to give the Lakers a four-point lead.

Shammond Williams, who scored 17 of his career-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, made a 3-point shot to draw the Sonics within one, but A.C. Green scored on a breakaway dunk with 4.7 seconds left to complete the scoring. Seattle's Vernon Maxwell missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds.

O'Neal, the NBA's leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, sat out his second game because of a sprained left ankle.

Gary Payton had 22 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists for the Sonics, who trailed 73-60 entering the fourth quarter before Williams led their comeback. Lazaro Borrell, another reserve, scored all 10 of his points in the period.

The win was the 31st in 33 games for the Lakers, who already secured the NBA's best record and homecourt dvantage throughout the playoffs. The Sonics, who have clinched a playoff berth, lost for the ninth time in 11 games.

Bryant, who made only 2-of-12 shots in the first half and scored eight points, went 7-of-9 in the third quarter and scored 16 points as the Lakers outscored the Sonics 34-20.

O'Neal said before the game his ankle was improving, and he hoped to play when the Lakers return to action Friday night against Sacramento, like Seattle a possible first-round playoff opponent.

O'Neal, who sprained his ankle while scoring 49 points against Golden State last Wednesday night, sat out Saturday's 98-80 loss to San Antonio.

Vin Baker, Seattle's second-leading scorer, drew his third foul 6@1/2 minutes into the game and sat out the rest of the first half. Baker had only three points and nine rebounds before fouling out with 3:27 left in overtime.

Notes