Lopez helps Lakers edge Nets in Brooklyn return
Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez gestures afters scoring a 3-pointer during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets in New York. The Lakers won 102-99. | AP Photo/Mary Altaffer
NEW YORK — Brook Lopez smiled through a tribute video that showed his highlights stretching back to when he played in New Jersey in red, white and blue uniforms.
Then he went out and added a few more — this time at the Nets’ expense.
Lopez scored 19 points in his return to Brooklyn, making the Lakers’ final basket with 1:28 left to help Los Angeles hold on for a 102-99 victory on Friday night (Saturday in Manila).
The Nets’ career leader in scoring and blocked shots also had a big block down the stretch as the Lakers did just enough to avoid a third straight loss.
“Brook was great tonight,” Lakers coach Luke Walton said. “He did a good job. We don’t win that game without him obviously.”
Julius Randle had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram added 16 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Josh Hart finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds, helping Los Angeles to a 56-38 advantage on the boards.
Spencer Dinwiddie had 23 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the Nets. Rookie Jarrett Allen, playing the center spot Lopez occupied for nine seasons in New Jersey and later Brooklyn before getting dealt to Los Angeles in the trade that brought D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn, had a season-best 20 points.
“He was the face of the franchise here and now I am here trying to become the face, too,” Allen said of facing Lopez. “Just going back and forth. I mean, it’s a good challenge.”
Lopez came out on the winning end of it, blocking Allen’s shot with 1:41 left to preserve a two-point lead, then scoring on a short running hook.
The No. 10 pick in the 2008 draft by the Nets, Lopez has had to navigate a new role in Los Angeles, where the Lakers like to play small and fast. But they needed his big presence in a low-scoring fourth quarter.
“It’s just been different all season but I just try to stay ready,” Lopez said.
Allen was 6 for 6 for 16 points in the first half, but Lopez answered with 12 points in the third quarter, going 5 for 5 from the field with a pair of 3-pointers to send the teams to the fourth tied at 85.
The Lakers shut the Nets out for more than five minutes while scoring 11 straight to open a 96-87 lead.
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