LOS ANGELES, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The game never be easy to Lakers. Even with both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol back in the lineup and once up by 18 points, the Lakers still lost to Wizards 100-103 on Friday night at Staples Center.
The Lakers started fast, controlling the first half; however, they fell apart in the second half.
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 3-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 offense 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.