Kobe, Fisher Help Lakers Escape Hornets' Clutches

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Hornets 115-111 in overtime, their 45th win of the season. The Lakers built a 13 point lead in the fourth quarter, but blew it after giving up a plethora of 3-pointers and trailed 98-95 with just seconds left in the game. However, Derek Fisher hit his own 3-pointer to tie the game with 14.3 seconds left, and a defensive stop sent the game into overtime. Kobe Bryant scored 11 points in the extra five minutes, and Hornets-star Chris Paul fouled out with 1:32 left in OT. LA won overtime 17-13. Kobe finished the game with 39 points, and Pau Gasol had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Fisher and Luke Walton each scored 14 points, and Lamar Odom had 12 with a game-high 17 rebounds. Rasual Butler led the Hornets with 31 points, and Paul added 21 points and 16 assists.