HOUSTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Steve Blake hit a 3-point shot with 2 seconds to play Thursday, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a surprising 99-98 win over Houston.
The Lakers benefited from five missed free throws over the final 2:18 by Dwight Howard, who spent an unproductive season with Los Angeles last year before moving to Houston.
With the Rockets owning a 98-96 lead, Houston's James Harden missed a jumper with 14 seconds to play. That gave Los Angeles a chance and the Lakers cashed in when Blake hit one of his four 3-pointers for the game.
Patrick Beverley then missed a 3-point try for the Rockets as time expired.
The game turned into a close contest during the fourth quarter after Houston overcame a 17-point deficit at the end of 12 minutes.
Jodie Meeks scored 18 points off the bench to lead the Lakers and Wesley Johnson had 16. Blake finished with 14.
Harden produced 35 points and nine rebounds in pacing Houston. Howard had 15 points and 14 rebounds while going 5-of-16 from the foul line.
