Lakers finally win a close game, beating Toronto, 127-122 in overtime

Lakers 127, Toronto Raptors 122 (overtime)

The Lakers finally came out on top of a close game, running away from the Raptors in overtime.

After losing on Friday to one of the worst teams in the NBA (the 4-11 Minnesota Timberwolves), the Lakers defeated the top club in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors (13-4) overcame a four-point deficit with a minute and a half left in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Kobe Bryant, who tallied a triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, scored six in the overtime session to help secure the victory.

Seven Lakers hit double figures, including Nick Young (20), Carlos Boozer (18), Jordan Hill (16), Wesley Johnson (13), Jeremy Lin (11) and Wayne Ellington (10). The Lakers shot 49% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.

Hill also had a double-double with 12 rebounds.

Kyle Lowry fouled out after 42 minutes, finishing with 29 points with nine assists. Lou Williams sparked the Raptors in the second half, scoring 19 points off the bench. Terrence Ross added 20.

Starting for the injured DeMar DeRozan (thigh), Greivis Vasquez scored 19 points and had five assists.

The Raptors shot 43.3% from the field and 26.5% (9 of 34) from long range.

The Lakers played without Xavier Henry (Achilles’ tendon), Ryan Kelly (hamstring), Steve Nash (back) and Julius Randle (leg).

At 4-13, the Lakers begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday, starting in Detroit against the Pistons (3-14). The Raptors next visit the Sacramento Kings (9-8), also on Tuesday.

Lakers 109, Toronto Raptors 109 (end of regulation)

Kobe Bryant couldn’t draw a foul on a late drive, leading to an overtime period against the Raptors.

The Raptors had pulled ahead to their biggest lead of six points with 9 1/2 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Reserve center Robert Sacre helped the Lakers tie the score with five straight points.

The final minutes were neck and neck, with both teams taking leads. Kyle Lowry’s free throws put the Raptors up with 2:35 on the clock. A Kobe Bryant layup, followed by his 12th assist to Nick Young for a corner three-pointer gave the Lakers a 108-104 advantage with a minute and half left.

The Raptors scored a quick five points to take the lead with 44.4 seconds left in the quarter. Bryant attacked the basket to draw a foul, but converted just one of two free throws to tie the score at 109.

Lowry was called for an offensive charge with 13 seconds left, giving Bryant a chance for a game-winning shot, but no call was made on his drive to the basket.

Bryant leads the Lakers with 25 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Lowry has scored 24 for the Raptors.

Lakers 81, Raptors 80 (end of the third quarter)

The Lakers have not had strong performances in third quarters this season. They held their lead for most of the period on Sunday before giving way to the Raptors.

Kobe Bryant hit a jumper with just more than five minutes on the clock to give the Lakers a 73-64 lead. The Raptors responded with 12 unanswered points to take a three-point lead.

Ronnie Price hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to keep the Lakers on top by the end of the quarter, but Toronto outscored the Lakers, 31-23.

Kobe Bryant leads all players with 17 points and 11 assists. He’s only four rebounds away from a triple-double. Bryant became the first player in NBA history to reach 32,000 points and 6,000 assists.

Carlos Boozer added 16, Jordan Hill 15 and Nick Young 10 as the Lakers shot 48.5% from the field for the game.

The Raptors made their run with a boost from Lou Williams, who scored 11 points. Kyle Lowry leads Toronto with 16. The Raptors shot 47% from the field and 20% (4 of 20) from three-point range.

Lakers 58, Raptors 49 (halftime)

The Lakers continued to shoot the ball well against the Raptors, converting 57.1% from the field for the half (24-42). The Lakers also converted five of 10 three-point shots.

Carlos Boozer leads the Lakers with 12 points. Kobe Bryant, Jordan Hill and Nick Young each have 10.

Bryant leads all players with eight assists.

Kyle Lowsry has 11 points to lead the Raptors, who have shot 45.8% from the field. Terrence Ross has seven points.

The Lakers led by as many as 10. Toronto shot just 9.1% (1 of 11) from behind the arc.

Lakers 27, Raptors 24 (end of the first quarter)

Kobe Bryant hit all four of his shots, scoring eight points in 11 minutes to lead all scorers, and the Lakers took a three-point lead into the second quarter.

The Lakers shot an efficient 57.1% from the field. Big men Carlos Boozer (six) and Jordan Hill (four) combined for 10 points.

The Raptors didn’t have much trouble scoring either, hitting half of their shots. Kyle Lowry, Amir Johnson and Greivis Vasquez, starting for the injured DeMar DeRozan, each scored six points on a combined nine-for-15 shooting (60%).

Both teams turned the ball over only once.

Pregame

The Lakers (3-13) draw the top team in the Eastern Conference on Sunday, hosting the Toronto Raptors (13-3) at Staples Center.

The Raptors will play without guard DeMar DeRozan, out with a thigh injury.

The Lakers are still down Xavier Henry (Achilles), Ryan Kelly (hamstring), Steve Nash (back) and Julius Randle (leg).

For an in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.