Lakers hold off Hornets in NBA action

Kobe Bryant in action against New Orleans Hornets

Los Angeles - Kobe Bryant scored 23 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past the New Orleans Hornets 104-96 to get back their eighth playoff spot in Western Conference.

Since the Jazz lost to Oklahoma City 80-90 earlier in the evening, with this win Tuesday night, the Lakers move a half-game ahead of Utah for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. However, the Jazz hold the tiebreaker over the Lakers, reports Xinhua.

Pau Gasol did a highly effective job, contributing 22 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Dwight Howard added 19 points and six rebounds.

The Hornets’ Eric Gordon led the team with 22 points, Anthony Davis got 18 points and 14 rebounds, Ryan Anderson added 14 points.