CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant came close to a triple-double Friday in helping rally the Los Angeles Lakers from a 19-point deficit to a 100-93 win over Charlotte.
One night after being run over by the Boston Celtics, the Lakers again looked lethargic in the early going against the Bobcats -- winners of only 11 games all season.
Charlotte led 71-52 just past the midway point of the third quarter, but the Lakers came back to take the lead for good at 92-91 on a 3-pointer from Jodie Meeks with 3:02 to play.
The field goal from Meeks touched off an 11-2, game-closing run for the Lakers, who improved to 4-2 on a seven-game road trip that will conclude Sunday in Miami.
Six Los Angeles players reached double figures with Bryant scoring 20 points, grabbing seven rebounds and handing out eight assists. Steve Nash and Earl Clark both added 17 points while Dwight Howard had 12.
Gerald Henderson and Byron Mullens each scored 20 for the Bobcats, who have lost six in a row.
Charlotte built an 18-point lead before losing to the Lakers in Los Angeles on Dec. 18.
