With Kobe Bryant nursing an ankle sprain for the second consecutive game, the Lakers rode another aging swingman to a 113-102 win over the Demarcus Cousin-less Sacramento Kings. Antawn Jamison scored a team-high 27 points, while Steve Nash directed the Lake Show offense by dishing 12 assists and scoring 19 points. Dwight Howard led the way defensively, by sending back five shots while chipping in 12 points and 17 rebounds. Meanwhile, Metta World Peace found his his hidden offensive game by posting 22 points.
The win improved the Lakers to 36-32 in the West and combined with Houston's loss to Golden State, moves them a half game back of the seventh seed and two games back of sixth.
In case you didn't know… Los @lakers beat the @sacramentokings 113-102. @steveblake5 & #antawnjamison BALL'd it up twitter.com/nicklotorto/st…
— Undocumented Laker (@nicklotorto) March 18, 2013
#Lakers 17-7 since Steve Blake's return. He has stabilized second unit, flourishing under D'Antoni & has been key to Antawn Jamison revival.
— Ethan Norof (@Mr_Norof) March 18, 2013
Bryant also won't be available for the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
Injured Bryant not likely to play against the Suns bit.ly/146PECf #Lakers #NBA
— Los Angeles Lakers (@LakersBNews) March 18, 2013
