PHOENIX, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Ron Artest hit a 3-pointer with 1:31 to play Wednesday that halted a Phoenix comeback bid and pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-95 win over the Suns.
Los Angeles has won four out of five after a three-game losing streak. The Suns have dropped two in a row.
The Lakers had a nine-point lead as the game entered its last 4 minutes but the Suns climbed within two when Vince Carter hit a 3-pointer with 2:22 to play.
Shannon Brown then hit two free throws for the Lakers and, after Carter missed a jumper, Artest made his 3-point shot to give Los Angeles a 98-91 lead it easily protected.
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points for the Lakers and moved within 15 of Oscar Robertson for ninth place on the NBA's all-time points list.
Andrew Bynum added 14 points.
Jared Dudley had 21 to lead the Suns.
