HOUSTON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant scored the last Los Angeles points with 18 seconds left Wednesday and the Lakers survived to down Houston 93-90.
Bryant's free throws put Los Angeles in front by five, after which both Shane Battier and Bonzi Wells missed three-point attempts for Houston.
Yao Ming claimed an offensive rebound, however, and made a layup while being fouled, bringing the Rockets within three points with one second to go. Yao missed his free throw attempt and got his own rebound, leading to a desperation three-point at the buzzer by Rafer Alston that failed to go.
The game was tied four times early in the fourth period and the Rockets missed seven shots from the field and two free throws during the final 45 seconds.
Yao led Houston with 26 points and Wells had 21.
Bryant had a 36-point night for the Lakers, while Derek Fisher had 13. Fisher put Los Angeles in front for good at 85-83 with 3:22 to play.
