Lakers (11-41), Pelicans (18-31)
In Kobe Bryant’s second-to-last career game in New Orleans, the Hall of Fame guard provided what would’ve been a fitting finale. Bryant finished with 27 points Thursday, including draining several clutch baskets in the fourth quarter, lifting Los Angeles to a rare road victory. The biggest hoop of the night came with 58 seconds left, as Bryant sank a three-pointer from the right wing, doubling the Lakers’ lead to 98-92. He later hit one of two free throws for the final 99-96 margin with 5.9 ticks to go. As a result, Los Angeles defeated New Orleans for a second time this season in as many tries.