Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - February 19

(Basketball News) - Shaquille O’Neal scored 31 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and had a key blocked shot in the final seconds, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 100-99, on Wednesday at The Arena.

Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 35 points, including 24 in the second half, and handed out eight assists for the Lakers, who have won four of their last five games. Bryant and O’Neal combined for 40 of the Lakers’ 48 second-half points.

Los Angeles led by four points after three, but increased its advantage to 90-83 on O’Neal’s layup with 7:18 remaining in the game. The Warriors, though, trimmed the gap to 92-89 on Van Exel’s jump hook moments later.

After each team scored twice, Richardson made two free throws to bring Golden State within 96-95 with 2:12 left. Each team then hit two jumpers and the Laker lead was 100-99.

Leading 100-99, O’Neal was fouled with 1:03 remaining, but the All-Star missed both attempts. The Warriors had a chance to claim the lead, but Jason Richardson’s off- balance shot was off the mark and Rick Fox grabbed the rebound.

Los Angeles tried to run the clock down, but Bryant was called for travelling with 19.2 seconds left and the Warriors took over.

However, Nick Van Exel missed a runner in the lane, which would have put Golden State on top, and LA’s Kareem Rush grabbed the miss with 3.9 seconds left. Rush was then immediately fouled, but he missed both shots. However, O’Neal snatched the rebound out of the air where he quickly threw up a shot that was off the mark. Bryant then was able to get his hands on the loose ball, but he stepped out of bounds with 1.3 seconds left.

Clifford Robinson had a chance to win it, but his turnaround jumpshot was blocked by O’Neal as time expired.

Los Angeles, which will play 10 of its next 14 on the road, has won just six of its last 18 away from home and is 12-15 as a visitor this season.

The Lakers will return to the court on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers.