HOUSTON – Kobe Bryant had 29 points, Wesley Johnson made key free throws down the stretch and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Dwight Howard's absence Wednesday night in a 98-92 victory over the Houston Rockets.
It was the second consecutive win for the Lakers following a 1-9 start.
Los Angeles used a 7-1 run, highlighted by Bryant's three-point play and capped by four free throws from Johnson, to take a 94-92 lead with less than a minute left. Nick Young and Bryant added two free throws apiece to secure the victory.
Tarik Black, a rookie who was filling in for the injured Howard, missed a free throw and a jump shot down the stretch.
James Harden led the Rockets with 24 points.
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