With Kobe Bryant out Monday night in New Orleans, it looked like the Los Angeles Lakers were headed for their third straight defeat. Down seven points to the lowly and undermanned Hornets with 5:21 remaining, the Lakers' grip on the Pacific Division appeared to be slipping. But a late 15-2 run propelled the Lakers to a 93-91 victory over the Hornets to snap their two-game losing skid.
Pau Gasol had 25 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the win for the Lakers, who shot 46.6% on the night. Ramon Sessions had 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists, and hit a three-pointer that all but sealed the game, giving the Lakers a 92-86 lead with 26.1 seconds remaining.
Andrew Bynum added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers (36-22).
Marco Belinelli led the Hornets with 20 points, while Greivis Vasquez had 18 points and 11 assists in the loss.
The Lakers conclude their road trip Wednesday night in San Antonio, the first of three matchups with the Spurs in a 10-day span.
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