Lakers hold off Hornets in overtime

Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 39 points in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a 115-111 National Basketball Association victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

Spain's Pau Gasol had 20 points and 12 rebounds and Lamar Odom added 12 points and 17 boards for the Lakers, who led by four at halftime before scoring 34 points in the third quarter.

Chris Paul added 21 points and 16 assists for the Hornets, who outscored the Lakers 32-19 in the fourth quarter.

New Orleans had taken a narrow lead before Derek Fisher's three-pointer with 14 seconds remaining forced overtime.

In the extra session, the Lakers jumped out to a 106-100 lead with 1:22 remaining before a layup by Antonio Daniels - who replaced Paul after the point guard fouled out - and James Posey's three-pointer pulled the Hornets within one point.

A three-point play by Bryant pushed the lead back to four, but Rasual Butler followed with a three-point play of his own.

Fisher hit two free throws on the other end to make it 111-108 and, after Posey missed a three, Bryant drained two foul shots to seal the victory.