Lakers lose to Wizards

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball in the lane to teammate Dwight Howard #12 during their game against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on March 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS): The Lakers, with both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol back in the lineup and once up by 18 points, lost to Wizards 100-103 at Staples Center here in the NBA league.

The Lakers started fast, controlling the first half before falling apart in the second, Xinhua reports.

Before this game, Gasol, who still has moving problem, had missed 20 games because of a foot injury. Kobe also missed the previous two games with an ankle sprain.

Kobe led the Lakers with 21 points and 11 assists, missing the three-point shot at the end buzzer. Gasol just played limited minutes, having four points and eight rebounds. Dwight Howard had 20 points and 15 rebounds, Meeks added 16 points for the Lakers.

The Wizards played aggressive in the second half; Trevor Ariza achieved 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, John Wall had 24 points and a career-high 16 assists.